The Acts of ThomasACTS OF THOMAS
From "The Apocryphal New Testament"
M.R. James-Translation and Notes
Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1924
The Noncanonical Homepage
Introduction
This is the only one of the five primary romances which we possess in its
entirety. It is of great length and considerable interest. The Stichometry (see
p. 24) gives it only 1,600 lines: this is far too little: it may probably apply
only to a portion of the Acts, single episodes of which, in addition to the
Martyrdom, may have been current separately. We do, in fact, find some separate
miracles in some of the oriental versions.
There is a consensus of opinion among Syriac scholars that our Greek text of
these Acts is a version from Syriac. The Syriac original was edited and
translated by Wright in his Apocryphal Acts, and older fragments have since been
published by Mrs. Lewis (Horae Semiticae IV, 1904. Mythological Acts of the
Apostles).
Certain hymns occur in the Syriac which were undoubtedly composed in that
language: most notable is the Hymn of the Soul (edited separately by A. A.
Bevan, and others) which is not relevant to the context. It has been ascribed to
Bardaisan the famous Syrian heretic. Only one Greek MS. of the Acts (the
Vallicellian, at Rome, Bonnet's MS. U, of the eleventh century) contains it; it
is paraphrased by Nicetas of Thessalonica in his Greek rechauffe of the Acts.
There is, in fact, no room to doubt that the whole text of the Acts, as
preserved complete in MS. U and partially in other manuscripts, is a translation
from the Syriac. But in the Martyrdom four manuscripts (including a very
important Paris copy-Gr. 1510, of eleventh century, and another of ninth
century) present a quite different, and superior. text, indubitably superior in
one striking point: that whereas Syr. places the great prayer of Thomas in the
twelfth Act, some little time before the Martyrdom (ch. 144 sqq.), the four
manuscripts place it immediately before, after ch. 167, and this is certainly
the proper place for it.
It is, I believe, still arguable (though denied by the Syriacists) that here is
a relic of the original Greek text: in other words, the Acts were composed in
Greek, and early rendered into Syriac. Becoming scarce or being wholly lost in
Greek they were retranslated out of Syriac into Greek. But meanwhile the
original Greek of the Martyrdom had survived separately, and we have it here.
This was M. Bonnet's view, and it is one which I should like to adopt.
At the very least, we have a better text of the Martyrdom preserved in these
four manuscripts than in U and its congeners.
As to other versions. The Latin Passions-one probably by Gregory of Tours- have
been much adulterated. We have also Ethiopic versions of some episodes, and
there is also an Armenian one of which little use has been made. However,
versions are of little account in this case, where we have such comparatively
good authorities as the Greek and Syriac for the whole book.
My version is made from the Greek text, (Bonnet, 1903) with an eye on the Syriac
as rendered by Wright and by Mrs. Lewis and Bevan.
ACTS OF THE HOLY APOSTLE THOMAS
The First Act, when he went into India with Abbanes the merchant.
At that season all we the apostles were at Jerusalem, Simon which is called
Peter and Andrew his brother, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother,
Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the publican, James the son of
Alphaeus and Simon the Canaanite, and Judas the brother of James: and we divided
the regions of the world, that every one of us should go unto the region that
fell to him and unto the nation whereunto the Lord sent him.
According to the lot, therefore, India fell unto Judas Thomas, which is also the
twin: but he would not go, saying that by reason of the weakness of the flesh he
could not travel, and 'I am an Hebrew man; how can I go amongst the Indians and
preach the truth?' And as he thus reasoned and spake, the Saviour appeared unto
him by night and saith to him: Fear not, Thomas, go thou unto India and preach
the word there, for my grace is with thee. But he would not obey, saying:
Whither thou wouldest send me, send me, but elsewhere, for unto the Indians I
will not go.
2 And while he thus spake and thought, it chanced that there was there a certain
merchant come from India whose name was Abbanes, sent from the King Gundaphorus
[Gundaphorus is a historical personage who reigned over a part of India in the
first century after Christ. His coins bear his name in Greek, as Hyndopheres],
and having commandment from him to buy a carpenter and bring him unto him.
Now the Lord seeing him walking in the market-place at noon said unto him:
Wouldest thou buy a carpenter? And he said to him: Yea. And the Lord said to
him: I have a slave that is a carpenter and I desire to sell him. And so saying
he showed him Thomas afar off, and agreed with him for three litrae of silver
unstamped, and wrote a deed of sale, saying: I, Jesus, the son of Joseph the
carpenter, acknowledge that I have sold my slave, Judas by name, unto thee
Abbanes, a merchant of Gundaphorus, king of the Indians. And when the deed was
finished, the Saviour took Judas Thomas and led him away to Abbanes the
merchant, and when Abbanes saw him he said unto him: Is this thy master? And the
apostle said: Yea, he is my Lord. And he said: I have bought thee of him. And
thy apostle held his peace.
3 And on the day following the apostle arose early, and having prayed and
besought the Lord he said: I will go whither thou wilt, Lord Jesus: thy will be
done. And he departed unto Abbanes the merchant, taking with him nothing at all
save only his price. For the Lord had given it unto him, saying: Let thy price
also be with thee, together with my grace, wheresoever thou goest.
And the apostle found Abbanes carrying his baggage on board the ship; so he also
began to carry it aboard with him. And when they were embarked in the ship and
were set down Abbanes questioned the apostle, saying: What craftsmanship knowest
thou? And he said: In wood I can make ploughs and yokes and augers (ox-goads,
Syr.), and boats and oars for boats and masts and pulleys; and in stone, pillars
and temples and court-houses for kings. And Abbanes the merchant said to him:
Yea, it is of such a workman that we have need. They began then to sail
homeward; and they had a favourable wind, and sailed prosperously till they
reached Andrapolis, a royal city.
4 And they left the ship and entered into the city, and lo, there were noises of
flutes and water-organs, and trumpets sounded about them; and the apostle
inquired, saying: What is this festival that is in this city? And they that were
there said to him: Thee also have the gods brought to make merry in this city.
For the king hath an only daughter, and now he giveth her in marriage unto an
husband: this rejoicing, therefore, and assembly of the wedding to-day is the
festival which thou hast seen. And the king hath sent heralds to proclaim
everywhere that all should come to the marriage, rich and poor, bond and free,
strangers and citizens: and if any refuse and come not to the marriage he shall
answer for it unto the king. And Abbanes hearing that, said to the apostle: Let
us also go, lest we offend the king, especially seeing we are strangers. And he
said: Let us go.
And after they had put up in the inn and rested a little space they went to the
marriage; and the apostle seeing them all set down (reclining), laid himself, he
also, in the midst, and all looked upon him, as upon a stranger and one come
from a foreign land: but Abbanes the merchant, being his master, laid himself in
another place.
5 And as they dined and drank, the apostle tasted nothing; so they that were
about him said unto him: Wherefore art thou come here, neither eating nor
drinking? but he answered them, saying: I am come here for somewhat greater than
the food or the drink, and that I may fulfil the king's will. For the heralds
proclaim the king's message, and whoso hearkeneth not to the heralds shall be
subject to the king's judgement.
So when they had dined and drunken, and garlands and unguents were brought to
them, every man took of the unguent, and one anointed his face and another his
beard and another other parts of his body; but the apostle anointed the top of
his head and smeared a little upon his nostrils, and dropped it into his ears
and touched his teeth with it, and carefully anointed the parts about his heart:
and the wreath that was brought to him, woven of myrtle and other flowers, he
took, and set it on his head, and took a branch of calamus and held it in his
hand.
Now the flute-girl, holding her flute in her hand, went about to them all and
played, but when she came to the place where the apostle was, she stood over him
and played at his head for a long space: now this flute-girl was by race an
Hebrew.
6 And as the apostle continued looking on the ground, one of the cup-bearers
stretched forth his hand and gave him a buffet; and the apostle lifted up his
eyes and looked upon him that smote him and said: My God will forgive thee in
the life to come this iniquity, but in this world thou shalt show forth his
wonders and even now shall I behold this hand that hath smitten me dragged by
dogs. And having so said, he began to sing and to say this song:
The damsel is the daughter of light, in whom consisteth and dwelleth the proud
brightness of kings, and the sight of her is delightful, she shineth with beauty
and cheer. Her garments are like the flowers of spring, and from them a waft of
fragrance is borne; and in the crown of her head the king is established which
with his immortal food (ambrosia) nourisheth them that are founded upon him; and
in her head is set truth, and with her feet she showeth forth joy. And her mouth
is opened, and it becometh her well: thirty and two are they that sing praises
to her. Her tongue is like the curtain of the door, which waveth to and fro for
them that enter in: her neck is set in the fashion of steps which the first
maker hath wrought, and her two hands signify and show, proclaiming the dance of
the happy ages, and her fingers point out the gates of the city. Her chamber is
bright with light and breatheth forth the odour of balsam and all spices, and
giveth out a sweet smell of myrrh and Indian leaf, and within are myrtles strown
on the floor, and of all manner of odorous flowers, and the door-posts(?) are
adorned with freedst. 7 And surrounding her her groomsmen keep her, the number
of whom is seven, whom she herself hath chosen. And her bridesmaids are seven,
and they dance before her. And twelve in number are they that serve before her
and are subject unto her, which have their aim and their look toward the
bridegroom, that by the sight of him they may be enlightened; and for ever shall
they be with her in that eternal joy, and shall be at that marriage whereto the
princes are gathered together and shall attend at that banquet whereof the
eternal ones are accounted worthy, and shall put on royal raiment and be clad in
bright robes; and in joy and exultation shall they both be and shall glorify the
Father of all, whose proud light they have received, and are enlightened by the
sight of their lord; whose immortal food they have received, that hath no
failing (excrementum, Syr.), and have drunk of the wine that giveth then neither
thirst nor desire. And they have glorified and praised with the living spirit,
the Father of truth and the mother of wisdom.
8 And when he had sung and ended this song, all that were there present gazed
upon him; and he kept silence, and they saw that his likeness was changed, but
that which was spoken by him they understood not, forasmuch as he was an Hebrew
and that which he spake was said in the Hebrew tongue. But the flute-girl alone
heard all of it, for she was by race an Hebrew and she went away from him and
played to the rest, but for the most part she gazed and looked upon him, for she
loved him well, as a man of her own nation; moreover he was comely to look upon
beyond all that were there. And when the flute-girl had played to them all and
ended, she sat down over against him, gazing and looking earnestly upon him. But
he looked upon no man at all, neither took heed of any but only kept his eyes
looking toward the ground, waiting the time when he might depart thence.
But the cup-bearer that had buffeted him went down to the well to draw water;
and there chanced to be a lion there, and it slew him and left him Iying in that
place, having torn his lirmbs in pieces, and forthwith dogs seized his members,
and among them one black dog holding his right hand in his mouth bare it into
the place of the banquet.
9 And all when they saw it were amazed and inquired which of them it was that
was missing. And when it became manifest that it was the hand of the cup-bearer
which had smitten the apostle, the flute-girl brake her flute and cast it away
and went and sat down at the apostle's feet, saying: This is either a god or an
apostle of God, for I heard him say in the Hebrew tongue: ' I shall now see the
hand that hath smitten me dragged by dogs', which thing ye also have now beheld;
for as he said, so hath it come about. And some believed her, and some not.
But when the king heard of it, he came and said to the apostle: Rise up and come
with me, and pray for my daughter: for she is mine only-begotten, and to-day I
give her in marriage. But the apostle was not willing to go with him, for the
Lord was not yet revealed unto him in that place. But the king led him away
against his will unto the bride-chamber that he might pray for them.
10 And the apostle stood, and began to pray and to speak thus: My Lord and mv
God, that travellest with thy servants, that guidest and correctest them that
believe in thee, the refuge and rest of the oppressed, the hope of the poor and
ransomer of captives, the physician of the souls that lie sick and saviour of
all creation, that givest life unto the world and strengthenest souls; thou
knowest things to come, and by our means accomplishest them: thou Lord art he
that revealeth hidden mysteries and maketh manifest words that are secret: thou
Lord art the planter of the good tree, and of thine hands are all good works
engendered: thou Lord art he that art in all things and passest through all, and
art set in all thy works and manifested in the working of them all. Jesus
Christ, Son of compassion and perfect saviour, Christ, Son of the living God,
the undaunted power that hast overthrown the enemy, and the voice that was heard
of the rulers, and made all their powers to quake, the ambassador that wast sent
from the height and camest down even unto hell, who didst open the doors and
bring up thence them that for many ages were shut up in the treasury of
darkness, and showedst them the way that leadeth up unto the height: l beseech
thee, Lord Jesu, and offer unto thce supplication for these young persons, that
thou wouldest do for them the things that shall help them and be expedient and
profitable for them. And he laid his hands on them and said: The Lord shall be
with you, and left them in that place and departed.
11 And the king desired the groomsmen to depart out of the bride-chamber; and
when all were gone out and the doors were shut, the bridegrroom lifted up the
curtain of the bride-chamber to fetch the bride unto him. And he saw the Lord
Jesus bearing the likeness of Judas Thomas and speaking with the bride; even of
him that but now had blessed them and gone out from them, the apostle; and he
saith unto him: Wentest thou not out in the sight of all? how then art thou
found here? But the Lord said to him: I am not Judas which is also called Thomas
but I am his brother. And the Lord sat down upon the bed and bade them also sit
upon chairs, and began to say unto them:
12 Remember, my children, what my brother spake unto you and what he delivered
before you: and know this, that if ye abstain from this foul intercourse, ye
become holy temples, pure, being quit of impulses and pains, seen and unseen,
and ye will acquire no cares of life or of children, whose end is destruction:
and if indeed ye get many children, for their sakes ye become grasping and
covetous, stripping orphans and overreaching widows, and by so doing subject
yourselves to grievous punishments. For the more part of children become useless
oppressed of devils, some openly and some invisibly, for they become either
lunatic or half withered or blind or deaf or dumb or paralytic or foolish; and
if they be sound, again they will be vain, doing useless or abominable acts, for
they will be caught either in adultery or murder or theft or fornication, and by
all these vvill ye be afflicted.
But if ye be persuaded and keep your souls chaste before God, there will come
unto you living children whom these blemishes touch not, and ye shall be without
care, leading a tranquil life without grief or anxiety, looking to receive that
incorruptible and true marriage, and ye shall be therein groomsmen entering into
that bride-chamber which is full of immortality and light.
13 And when the young people heard these things, they believed the Lord and gave
themselves up unto him, and abstained from foul desire and continued so, passing
the night in that place. And the Lord departed from before them, saying thus:
The grace of the Lord shall be with you.
And when the morning was come the king came to meet them and furnished a table
and brought it in before the bridegroom and the bride. And he found them sitting
over against each other and the face of the bride he found unveiled, and the
bridegroom was right joyful.
And the mother came unto the bride and said: Why sittest thou so, child, and art
not ashamed, but art as if thou hadst lived with thine husband a long season?
And her father said: Because of thy great love toward thine husband dost thou
not even veil thyself?
14 And the bride answered and said: Verily, father, I am in great love, and I
pray my Lord that the love which I have perceived this night may abide with me,
and I will ask for that husband of whom I have learned to-day: and therefore I
will no more veil myself, because the mirror (veil) of shame is removed from me;
and therefore am I no more ashamed or abashed, because the deed of shame and
confusion is departed far from me; and that I am not confounded, it is because
my astonishment hath not continued with me; and that I am in cheerfulness and
joy, it is because the day of my joy hath not been troubled; and that I have set
at nought this husband and this marriage that passeth away from before mine
eyes, it is because I am joined in another marriage; and that I have had no
intercourse with a husband that is temporal, whereof the end is with
lasciviousness and bitterness of soul, it is because I am yoked unto a true
husband.
15 And while the bride was saying yet more than this, the bridegroom answered
and said: I give thee thanks, O Lord, that hast been proclaimed by the stranger,
and found in us; who hast removed me far from corruption and sown life in me;
who hast rid me of this disease that is hard to be healed and cured and abideth
for ever, and hast implanted sober health in me; who hast shown me thyself and
revealed unto me all my state wherein I am; who hast redeemed me from falling
and led me to that which is better, and set me free from temporal things and
made me worthy of those that are immortal and everlasting; that hast made
thyself lowly even down to me and my littleness, that thou mayest present me
unto thy greatness and unite me unto thyself; who hast not withheld thine own
bowels from me that was ready to perish, but hast shown me how to seek myself
and know who I was, and who and in what manner I now am, that I may again become
that which I was: whom I knew not, but thyself didst seek me out: of whom I was
not aware, but thyself hast taken me to thee: whom I have perceived, and now am
not able to be unmindful of him: whose love burneth within me, and I cannot
speak it as is fit, but that which I am able to say of it is little and scanty,
and not fitly proportioned unto his glory: yet he blameth me not that presume to
say unto him even that which I know not: for it is because of his love that I
say even this much.
16 Now when the king heard these things from the bridegroom and the bride, he
rent his clothes and said unto them that stood by him: Go forth quickly and go
about the whole city, and take and bring me that man that is a sorcerer who by
ill fortune came unto this city; for with mine own hands I brought him into this
house, and I told him to pray over this mine ill-starred daugllter; and whoso
findeth and bringeth him to me, I will give him whatsoever he asketh of me. They
went, therefore and went about seeking him, and found him not; for he had set
sail. They went also unto the inn where he had lodged and found there the
flute-girl weeping and afflicted because he had not taken her with him. And when
they told her the matter that had befallen with the young people she was
exceeding glad at hearing it, and put away her grief and said: Now have I also
found rest here. And she rose up and went unto them, and was with them a long
time, until they had instructed the king also. And many of the brethren also
gathered there until they heard the report of the apostle, that he was come unto
the cities of India and was teaching there: and they departed and joined
themselves unto him.
The Second Act: concerning his coming unto the king Gundaphorus.
17 Now when the apostle was come into the cities of India with Abbanes the
merchant, Abbanes went to salute the king Gundaphorus, and reported to him of
the carpenter whom he had brought with him. And the king was glad, and commanded
him to come in to him. So when he was come in the king said unto him: What craft
understandest thou? The apostle said unto him: The craft of carpentering and of
building. The king saith unto him: What craftsmanship, then, knowest thou in
wood, and what in stone? The apostle saith: In wood: ploughs, yokes, goads,
pulleys, and boats and oars and masts; and in stone: plllars, temples, and
court-houses for kings. And the king said: Canst thou build me a palace? And he
answered: Yea, I can both build and furnish it; for to this end am I come, to
build and to do the work of a carpenter.
18 And the king took him and went out of the city gates and began to speak with
him on the way concerning the building of the court-house, and of the
foundations, how they should be laid, until they came to the place wherein he
desired that the building should be; and he said: Here will I that the building
should be. And the apostle said: Yea, for this place is suitable for the
building. But the place was woody and there was much water there. So the king
said: Begin to build. But he said: I cannot begin to build now at this season.
And the king said: When canst thou begin? And he said: I will begin in the month
Dius and finish in Xanthicus. But the king marvelled and said: Every building is
builded in summer, and canst thou in this very winter build and make ready a
palace? And the apostle said: Thus it must be, and no otherwise is it possible.
And the king said: If, then, this seem good to thee, draw me a plan, how the
work shall be, because I shall return hither after some long time. And the
apostle took a reed and drew, measuring the place; and the doors he set toward
the sunrising to look toward the light, and the windows toward the west to the
breezes, and the bakehouse he appointed to be toward the south and the aqueduct
for the service toward the north. And the king saw it and said to the apostle:
Verily thou art a craftsman and it belitteth thee to be a servant of kings. And
he left much money with him and departed from him.
19 And from time to time he sent money and provision, and victual for him and
the rest of the workmen. But Thomas receiving it all dispensed it, going about
the cities and the villages round about, distributing and giving alms to the
poor and afflicted, and relieving them, saying: The king knoweth how to obtain
recompense fit for kings, but at this time it is needful that the poor should
have refreshment.
After these things the king sent an ambassador unto the apostle, and wrote thus:
Signify unto me what thou hast done or what I shall send thee, or of what thou
hast need. And the apostle sent unto him, saying: The palace (praetorium) is
builded and only the roof remaineth. And the king hearing it sent him again gold
and silver (lit. unstamped), and wrote unto him: Let the palace be roofed, if it
is done. And the apostle said unto the Lord: I thank thee O Lord in all things,
that thou didst die for a little space that I might live for ever in thee, and
that thou hast sold me that by me thou mightest set free many. And he ceased not
to teach and to refresh the afflicted, saying: This hath the Lord dispensed unto
you, and he giveth unto every man his food: for he is the nourisher of orphans
and steward of the widows, and unto all that are afflicted he is relief and
rest.
20 Now when the king came to the city he inquired of his friends concerning the
palace which Judas that is called Thomas was building for him. And they told
him: Neither hath he built a palace nor done aught else of that he promised to
perform, but he goeth about the cities and countries, and whatsoever he hath he
giveth unto the poor, and teacheth of a new God, and healeth the sick, and
driveth out devils, and doeth many other wonderful things; and we think him to
be a sorcerer. Yet his compassions and his cures which are done of him freely,
and moreover the simplicity and kindness of him and his faith, do declare that
he is a righteous man or an apostle of the new God whom he preacheth; for he
fasteth continually and prayeth, and eateth bread only, with salt, and his drink
is water, and he weareth but one garment alike in fair weather and in winter,
and receiveth nought of any man, and that he hath he giveth unto others. And
when the king heard that, he rubbed his face with his hands, and shook his head
for a long space.
21 And he sent for the merchant which had brought him, and for the apostle, and
said unto him: Hast thou built me the palace? And he said: Yea. And the king
said: When, then, shall we go and see it? but he answered him and said: Thou
canst not see it now, but when thou departest this life, then thou shalt see it.
And the king was exceeding wroth, and commanded both the merchant and Judas
which is called Thomas to be put in bonds and cast into prison until he should
inquire and learn unto whom the king's money had been given, and so destroy both
him and the merchant.
And the apostle went unto the prison rejoicing, and said to the merchant: Fear
thou nothing, only believe in the God that is preached by me, and thou shalt
indeed be set free from this world, but from the world to come thou shalt
receive life. And the king took thought with what death he should destroy them.
And when he had determined to flay them alive and burn them with fire, in the
same night Gad the king's brother fell sick, and by reason of his vexation and
the deceit which the king had suffered he was greatly oppressed; and sent for
the king and said unto him: O king my brother, I commit unto thee mine house and
my children; for I am vexed by reason of the provocation that hath befallen
thee, and lo, I die; and if thou visit not with vengeance upon the head of that
sorcerer, thou wilt give my soul no rest in hell. And the king said to his
brother: All this night have I considered how I should put him to death and this
hath seemed good to me, to flay him and burn him with fire, both him and the
merchant which brought him (Syr. Then the brother of the king said to him: And
if there be anything else that is worse than this, do it to him; and I give thee
charge of my house and my children).
22 And as they talked together, the soul of his brother Gad departed. And the
king mourned sore for Gad, for he loved him much, and commanded that he should
be buried in royal and precious apparel (Syr. sepulchre). Now after this angels
took the soul of Gad the king's brother and bore it up into heaven, showing unto
him the places and dwellings that were there, and inquired of him: In which
place wouldest thou dwell? And when they drew near unto the building of Thomas
the apostle which he had built for the king, Gad saw it and said unto the
angels: I beseech you, my lords, suffer me to dwell in one of the lowest rooms
of these. And they said to him: Thou canst not dwell in this building. And he
said: Wherefore ? And they say unto him: This is that palace which that
Christian builded for thy brother. And he said: I beseech you, my lords, suffer
me to go to my brother, that I may buy this palace of him, for my brother
knoweth not of what sort it is, and he will sell it unto me.
23 Then the angels let the soul of Gad go. And as they were putting his grave
clothes upon him, his soul entered into him and he said to them that stood about
him: Call my brother unto me, that I may ask one petition of him. Straightway
therefore they told the king, saying: Thy brother is revived. And the king ran
forth with a great company and came unto his brother and entered in and stood by
his bed as one amazed, not being able to speak to him. And his brother said: I
know and am persuaded, my brother, that if any man had asked of thee the half of
thy kingdom, thou wouldest have given it him for my sake; therefore I beg of
thee to grant me one favour which I ask of thee, that thou wouldest sell me that
which I ask of thee. And the king answered and said: And what is it which thou
askest me to sell thee? And he said: Convince me by an oath that thou wilt grant
it me. And the king sware unto him: One of my possessions, whatsoever thou shalt
ask, I will give thee. And he saith to him: Sell me that palace which thou hast
in the heavens ? And the king said: Whence should I have a palace in the
heavens? And he said: Even that which that Christian built for thee which is now
in the prison, whom the merchant brought unto thee, having purchased him of one
Jesus: I mean that Hebrew slave whom thou desiredst to punish as having suffered
deceit at his hand: whereat I was grieved and died, and am now revived.
24 Then the king considering the matter, understood it of those eternal benefits
which should come to him and which concerned him, and said: That palace I cannot
sell thee, but I pray to enter into it and dwell therein and to be accounted
worthy of the inhabiters of it, but if thou indeed desirest to buy such a
palace, lo, the man liveth and shall build thee one better than it. And
forthwith he sent and brought out of prison the apostle and the merchant that
was shut up with him, saying: I entreat thee, as a man that entreateth the
minister of God, that thou wouldest pray for me and beseech him whose minister
thou art to forgive me and overlook that which I have done unto thee or thought
to do, and that I may become a worthy inhabiter of that dwelling for the which I
took no pains, but thou hast builded it for me, labouring alone, the grace of
thy God working with thee, and that I also may become a servant and serve this
God whom thou preachest. And his brother also fell down before the apostle and
said: I entreat and supplicate thee before thy God that I may become worthy of
his ministry and service, and that it may fall to me to be worthy of the things
that were shown unto me by his angels.
25 And the apostle, filled with joy, said: I praise thee, O Lord Jesu, that thou
hast revealed thy truth in these men; for thou only art the God of truth, and
none other, and thou art he that knoweth all things that are unknown to the
most; thou, Lord, art he that in all things showest compassion and sparest men.
For men by reason of the error that is in them have overlooked thee but thou
hast not overlooked them. And now at mv supplication and request do thou receive
the king and his brother and join them unto thy fold, cleansing them with thy
washing and anointing them with thine oil from the error that encompasseth them:
and keep them also from the wolves, bearing them into thy meadows. And give them
drink out of thine immortal fountain which is neither fouled nor drieth up; for
they entreat and supplicate thee and desire to become thy servants and
ministers, and for this they are content even to be persecuted of thine enemies,
and for thy sake to be hated of them and to be mocked and to die, like as thou
for our sake didst suffer all these things, that thou mightest preserve us, thou
that art Lord and verily the good shepherd. And do thou grant them to have
confidence in thee alone, and the succour that cometh of thee and the hope of
their salvation which they look for from thee alone; and that they may be
grounded in thy mysteries and receive the perfect good of thy graces and gifts,
and flourish in thy ministry and come to perfection in thy Father.
26 Being therefore wholly set upon the apostle, both the king Gundaphorus and
Gad his brother followed him and departed not from him at all, and they also
relieved them that had need giving unto all and refreshing all. And they
besought him that they also might henceforth receive the seal of the word,
saying unto him: Seeing that our souls are at leisure and eager toward God, give
thou us the seal; for we have heard thee say that the God whom thou preachest
knoweth his own sheep by his seal. And the apostle said unto them: I also
rejoice and entreat you to receive this seal, and to partake with me in this
eucharist and blessing of the Lord, and to be made perfect therein. For this is
the Lord and God of all, even Jesus Christ whom I preach, and he is the father
of truth, in whom I have taught you to believe. And he commanded them to bring
oil, that they might receive the seal by the oil. They brought the oil
therefore, and lighted many lamps; for it was night (Syr. whom I preach: and the
king gave orders that the bath should be closed for seven days, and that no man
should bathe in it: and when the seven days were done, on the eighth day they
three entered into the bath by night that Judas might baptize them. And many
lamps were lighted in the bath).
27 And the apostle arose and sealed them. And the Lord was revealed unto them by
a voice, saying: Peace be unto you brethren. And they heard his voice only, but
his likeness they saw not, for they had not yet received the added sealing of
the seal (Syr. had not been baptized). And the apostle took the oil and poured
it upon their heads and anointed and chrismed them, and began to say (Syr. And
Judas went up and stood upon the edge of the cistern and poured oil upon their
heads and said):
Come, thou holy name of the Christ that is above every name.
Come, thou power of the Most High, and the compassion that is perfect.
Come, gift (charism) of the Most High.
Come, compassionate mother.
Come, communion of the male.
Come, she that revealeth the hidden mysteries.
Come, mother of the seven houses, that thy rest may be in the eighth house.
Come, elder of the five members, mind, thought, refiection, consideration,
reason; communicate with these young men.
Come, holy spirit, and cleanse their reins and their heart, and give them the
added seal, in the name of the Father and Son and Holy Ghost.
And when they were sealed, there appeared unto them a youth holding a lighted
torch, so that their lamps became dim at the approach of the light thereof. And
he went forth and was no more seen of them. And the apostle said unto the Lord:
Thy light, O Lord, is not to be contained by us, and we are not able to bear it,
for it is too great for our sight.
And when the dawn came and it was morning, he brake bread and made them
partakers of the eucharist of the Christ. And they were glad and rejoiced.
And many others also, believing, were added to them, and came into the refuge of
the Saviour.
28 And the apostle ceased not to preach and to say unto them: Ye men and women,
boys and girls, young men and maidens, strong men and aged, whether bond or
free, abstain from fornication and covetousness and the service of the belly:
for under these three heads all iniquity cometh about. For fornication blindeth
the mind and darkeneth the eyes of the soul, and is an impediment to the life
(conversation) of the body, turning the whole man unto weakness and casting the
whole body into sickness. And greed putteth the soul into fear and shame; being
within the body it seizeth upon the goods of others, and is under fear lest if
it restore other men's goods to their owner it be put to shame. And the service
of the belly casteth the soul into thoughts and cares and vexations, taking
thought lest it come to be in want, and have need of those things that are far
from it. If, then, ye be rid of these ye become free of care and grief and fear,
and that abideth with you which was said by the Saviour: Take no thought for the
morrow, for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Remember
also that word of him of whom I spake: Look at the ravens and see the fowls of
the heaven, that they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and God
dispenseth unto them; how much more unto you, O ye of little faith? But look ye
for his coming and have your hope in him and believe on his name. For he is the
judge of quick and dead, and he giveth to every one according to their deeds,
and at his coming and his latter appearing no man hath any word of excuse when
he is to be judged by him, as though he had not heard. For his heralds do
proclaim in the four quarters (climates) of the world. Repent ye, therefore, and
believe the promise and receive the yoke of meekness and the light burden, that
ye may live and not die. These things get, these keep. Come forth of the
darkness that the light may receive you! Come unto him that is indeed good, that
ye may receive grace of him and implant his sign in your souls.
29 And when he had thus spoken, some of them that stood by said: It is time for
the creditor to receive the debt. And he said unto them: He that is lord of the
debt desireth alway to receive more; but let us give him that which is due. And
he blessed them, and took bread and oil and herbs and salt and blessed and gave
unto them; but he himself continued his fast, for the Lord's day was coming on
(Syr. And he himself ate, because the Sunday was dawning).
And when night fell and he slept, the Lord came and stood at his head, saying:
Thomas, rise early, and having blessed them all, after the prayer and the
ministry go by the eastern road two miles and there will I show thee my glory:
for by thy going shall many take refuge with me, and thou shalt bring to light
the nature and power of the enemy. And he rose up from sleep and said unto the
brethren that were with him: Children, the Lord would accomplish somewhat by me
to-day, but let us pray, and entreat of him that we may have no impediment
toward him, but that as at all times, so now also it may be done according to
his desire and will by us. And having so said, he laid his hands on them and
blessed them, and brake the bread of the eucharist and gave it them, saying:
This encharist shall be unto you for compassion and mercy, and not unto
judgement and retribution. And they said Amen.
Note by Professor F. C. Burliitt, D.D.
In the Acts of Thomas, 27, the apostle, being about to baptize Gundaphorus the
king of India with his brother Gad, invokes the holy name of the Christ, and
among other invocations says (according to the best Greek text):
'Come, O elder of the five members, mind, idea, thoughtfulness, consideration,
reasoning, communicate with these youths.'
What is the essential distinction of these five words for 'mind', and what is
ment by the 'elder' (presbuteros, greek)? We turn to the Syriac, as the original
language in which our tale was composed though our present text, which rests
here on two manuscripts, has now and then been bowdlerized in the direction of
more conventional phraseology, a process that the Greek has often escaped. Here
in the Syriac we find (Wright, p.193, l.13; E.Tr., p.166, last line but one):
' Come, Messenger of reconciliation, and communicate with the minds of these
youths.'
The word for 'Come' is fem., while 'Messenger' (Izgadda) is masc. This is
because the whole prayer is an invocation of the Holy Spirit, which in old
Syriac is invariably treated as feminine. The word for Messenger is that used in
thc Manichaean cosmogony for a heavenly Spirit sent from the Divine Light: this
Spirit appeared as androgynous, so that the use of the word here with the
feminine verb is not inappropriate. It further leads us to look out for other
indications of Manichaean phraseology in the passage. But first it suggests to
us that [presbuteros] in our passage is a corruption of, or is used for,
[presbeutes], 'an ambassador'.
As for the five words for 'mind', they are clearly the equivalents of [hauna,
mad'a, re'yana, mahshebhatha, tar'itha], named by Theodore bar Khoni as the Five
Shekhinas, or Dwellings, or Manifestations, of the Father of Greatness, the
title by which the Manichaeans spoke of the ultimate Source of Light. There is a
good discussion of these five words by M. A. Kugener in F. Cumont's [Recherches
sur le Manicheisme] i, p. 10, note 3. In English we may say:
hauna means 'sanity'
mad'a means 'reason'
re'yana means 'mind'
mahshabhetha means 'imagination'
tar'itha means 'intention'
The Greek terms, used here and also in Acta Archelai, 9, are in my opinion
merely equivalents for the Syriac terms.
Act the Third: concerning the servent
30 And the apostle went forth to go where the Lord had bidden him; and when he
was near to the second mile (stone) and had turned a little out of the way, he
saw the body of a comely youth Iying, and said: Lord, is it for this that thou
hast brought me forth, to come hither that I might see this (trial) temptation?
thy will therefore be done as thou desirest. And he began to pray and to say: O
Lord, the judge of quick and dead, of the quick that stand by and the dead that
lie here, and master and father of all things; and father not only of the souls
that are in bodies but of them that have gone forth of them, for of the souls
also that are in pollutions (al. bodies) thou art lord and judge; come thou at
this hour wherein I call upon thee and show forth thy glory upon him that lieth
here. And he turned himself unto them that followed him and said: This thing is
not come to pass without cause, but the enemy hath effected it and brought it
about that he may assault (?) us thereby; and see ye that he hath not made use
of another sort, nor wrought through any other creature save that which is his
subjcct.
31 And when he had so said, a great (Syr. black) serpent (dragon) came out of a
hole, beating with his head and shaking his tail upon the ground, and with
(using) a loud voice said unto the apostle: I will tell before thee the cause
wherefor I slew this man, since thou art come hither for that end, to reprove my
works. And the apostle said: Yea, say on. And the serpent: There is a certain
beautiful woman in this village over against us; and as she passed by me (or my
place) I saw her and was enamoured of her, and I followed her and kept watch
upon her; and I found this youth kissing her, and he had intercourse with her
and did other shameful acts with her: and for me it was easy to declare them
before thee, for I know that thou art the twin brother of the Christ and alway
abolishest our nature (Syr. easy for me to say, but to thee I do not dare to
utter them because I know that the ocean-flood of the Messiah will destroy our
nature): but because I would not affright her, I slew him not at that time, but
waited for him till he passed by in the evening and smote and slew him, and
especially because he adventured to do this upon the Lord's day.
And the apostlc inquired of him, saying: Tell me of what seed and of what race
thou art. 32 And he said unto him: I am a reptile of the reptile nature and
noxious son of the noxious father: of him that hurt and smote the four brethren
which stood upright (om. Syr.: the elerments or four cardinal points may be
meant) I am son to him that sitteth on a throne over all the earth that
receiveth back his own from them that borrow: I am son to him that girdeth about
the sphere: and I am kin to him that is outside the ocean, whose tail is set in
his own mouth: I am he that entered through the barrier (fence) into paradise
and spake with Eve the things which my father bade me speak unto her: I am he
that kindled and inflamed Cain to kill his own brother, and on mine account did
thorns and thistles grow up in the earth: I am he that cast down the angels from
above and bound them in lusts after women, that children born of earth might
come of them and I might work my will in them: I am he that hardened Pharaoh's
heart that he should slay the children of Israel and enslave them with the yoke
of cruelty: I am he that caused the multitude to err in the wilderness when they
made the calf: I am he that inflamed Herod and enkindled Caiaphas unto false
accusation of a lie before Pilate; for this was fitting to me: I am he that
stirred up Judas and bribed him to deliver up the Christ: I am he that
inhabiteth and holdeth the deep of hell (Tartarus), but the Son of God hath
wronged rne, against my will, and taken (chosen) them that were his own from me:
I am kin to him that is to come from the east, unto whom also power is given to
do what he will upon the earth.
33 And wllen that serpent had spoken these things in the hearing of all the
people, the apostle lifted up his voice on high and said: Cease thou henceforth,
O most shameless one, and be put to confusion and die wholly, for the end of thy
destruction is come, and dare not to tell of what thou hast done by them that
have become subject unto thee. And I charge thee in the name of that Jesus who
until now contendeth with you for the men that are his own, that thou suck out
thy venom which thou hast put into this man, and draw it forth and take it from
him. But the serpent said: Not yet is the end of our time come as thou hast
said. Wherefore compellest thou me to take back that which I have put into this
man, and to die before my time? for mine own father, when he shall draw forth
and suck out that which he hath cast into the creation, then shall his end come.
And the apostle said unto him: Show, then, now the nature of thy father. And the
serpent came near and set his mouth upon the wound of the young man and sucked
forth the gall out of it. And by little and little the colour of the young man
which was as purple, became white, but the serpent swelled up. And when the
serpent had drawn up all the gall into himself, the young man leapt up and
stood, and ran and fell at the apostle's feet: but the serpent being swelled up,
burst and died, and his venom and gall were shed forth; and in the place where
his venom was shed there came a great gulf, and that serpent was swallowed up
therein. And the apostle said unto the king and his brother: Take workmen and
fill up that place, and lay foundations and build houses upon them, that it may
be a dwelling-place for strangers.
34 But the youth said unto the apostle with many tears: Wherein have I sinned
against thee? for thou art a man that hast two forms, and wheresoever thou wilt,
there thou art found, and art restrained of no man, as I behold. For I saw that
man that stood by thee and said unto thee: I have many wonders to show forth by
thy means and I have great works to accomplish by thee, for which thou shalt
receive a reward; and thou shalt make many to live, and they shall be in rest in
light eternal as children of God. Do thou then, saith he, speaking unto thee of
me, quicken this youth that hath been stricken of the enemy and be at all times
his overseer. Well, therefore, art thou come hither, and well shalt thou depart
again unto him, and yet he never shall leave thee at any time. But I am become
without care or reproach: and he hath enlightened me from the care of the night
and I am at rest from the toil of the day: and I am set free from him that
provoked me to do thus, sinning against him that taught me to do contrary
thereto: and I have lost him that is the kinsman of the night that compelled me
to sin by his own deeds, and have found him that is of the light, and is my
kinsman. I have lost him that darkeneth and blindeth his own subjects that they
may not know what they do and, being ashamed at their own works, may depart from
him, and their works come to an end; and have found him whose works are light
and his deeds truth, which if a man doeth he repenteth not of them. And I have
left him with whom Iying abideth, and before whom darkness goeth as a veil, and
behind him followeth shame, shameless in indolence; and I have found him that
showeth me fair things that I may take hold on them, even the son of the truth
that is akin unto concord, who scattereth away the mist and enlighteneth his own
crcation, and healeth the wounds thereof and overthroweth the enemies thereof.
But I beseech thee, O man of God, cause me to behold him again, and to see him
that is now become hidden from me, that I may also hear his voice whereof I am
not able to express the wonder, for it belongeth not to the nature of this
bodily organ.
[Before this speech Syr. (Wright) inserts one of equal length, chiefly about
man's free will and fall. But the fifth-century palimpsest edited by Mrs. Lewis
agrees with the Greek.]
35 And the apostle answered him, saying: If thou depart from these things
whereof thou hast received knowledge, as thou hast said, and if thou know who it
is that hath wrought this in thee, and learn and become a hearer of him whom now
in thy fervent love thou seekest; thou shalt both see him and be with him for
ever, and in his rest shalt thou rest, and shalt be in his joy. But if thou be
slackly disposed toward him and turn again unto thy former deeds, and leave that
beauty and that bright countenance which now was showed thee, and forget the
shining of his light which now thou desirest, not only wilt thou be bereaved of
this life but also of that which is to come and thou wilt depart unto him whom
thou saidst thou hadst lost, and will no more behold him whom thou saidst thou
hadst found.
36 And when the apostle had said this, he went into the city holding the hand of
that youth, and saying unto him: These things which thou hast seen, my child,
are but a few of the many which God hath, for he doth not give us good tidings
concerning these things that are seen, but greater things than these doth he
promise us; but so long as we are in the bodv we are not able to speak and show
forth those which he shall give unto our souls. If we say that he giveth us
light, it is this which is seen, and we have it: and if we say it of wealth,
which is and appeareth in the world, we name it (we speak of something which is
in the world, Syr.), and we need it not, for it hath been said: Hardly shall a
rich man enter into the kingdom of heaven: and if we speak of apparel of raiment
wherewith they that are luxurious in this life are clad, it is named (we mention
something that nobles wear, Syr.), and it hath been said: They that wear soft
raiment are in the houses of kings. And if of costiy banquets, concerning these
we have received a commandment to beware of them, not to be weighed down With
revelling and drunkenness and cares of this life -speaking of things that are-
and it hath been said: Take no thought for your life (soul), what ye shall eat
or what ye shall drink, neither for your body, what ye shall put on, for the
soul is more than the meat and the body than the raiment. And of rest, if we
speak of this temporal rest, a judgement is appointed for this also. But we
speak of the world which is above, of God and angels, of watchers and holy ones
of the immortal (ambrosial) food and the drink of the true vine, of raiment that
endureth and groweth not old, of things which eye hath not seen nor ear heard,
neither have they entered into the heart of sinful men, the things which God
hath prepared for them that love him. Of these things do we converse and of
these do we bring good tidings. Do thou therefore also believe on him that thou
mayest live, and put thy trust in him, and thou shalt not die. For he is not
persuaded with gifts, that thou shouldest offer them to him, neither is he in
need of sacrifices, that thou shouldest sacrifice unto him. But look thou unto
him, and he will not overlook thee; and turn unto him, and he will not forsake
thee. For his comeliness and his beauty will make thee wholly desirous to love
him: and indeed he permitteth thee not to turn thyself away.
37 And when the apostle had said these things unto that youth, a great multitude
joined themselves unto them. And the apostle looked and saw them raising
themselves on high that they might see him, and they were going up into high
places; and the apostle said unto them: Ye men that are come unto the assembly
of Christ, and would believe on Jesus, take example hereby, and see that if ye
be not lifted up, ye cannot see me who am little, and are not able to spy me out
who am like unto you. If, then, ye cannot see me who am like you unless ye lift
yourselves up a little from the earth, how can ye see him that dwelleth in the
height and now is found in the depth, unless ye first lift yourselves up out of
your former conversation, and your unprofitable deeds, and your desires that
abide not, and the wealth that is left here, and the possession of earth that
groweth old, and the raiment that corrupteth, and the beauty that waxeth old and
vanisheth away, and yet more out of the whole body wherein all these things are
stored up, and which groweth old and becometh dust, returning unto its own
nature? For it is the body which maintaineth all these things. But rather
believe on our Lord Jesus Christ, vvhom we preach, that your hope may be in him
and in him ye may have life world without end, that he may become your fellow
traveller in this land of error, and may be to you an harbour in this troublous
sea. And he shall be to you a fountain springing up in this thirsty land and a
chamber fill of food in this place of them that hunger, and a rest unto your
souls, yea, and a physician for your bodies.
38 Then the multitude of them that were gathered together hearing these things
wept, and said unto the apostle: O man of God, the God whom thou preachest, we
dare not say that we are his, for the works which we have done are alien unto
him and not pleasing to him; but if he will have compassion on us and pity us
and save us, overlooking our former decds, and will set us free from the evils
which we committed being in error, and not impute them unto us nor make
remembrance of our former sins, we will become his servants and will accomplish
his will unto the end. And the apostle answered them and said: He reckoneth not
against you, neither taketh account of the sins which ye committed being in
error, but overlooketh your transgressions which ye have done in ignorance.
The Fourth Act: concerning the colt
39 And while the apostle yet stood in the highway and spake with the multitude,
A she ass's colt came and stood before him (Syr. adds, And Judas said: It is not
without the direction of God that this colt has come hither. But to thee I say,
O colt that by the grace of our Lord there shall be given to thee speech before
these multitudes who are standing here; and do thou say whatsoever thou wilt,
that they may believe in the God of truth whom we preach. And the mouth of the
colt was opened, and it spake by the power of our Lord and said to him) and
opened its mouth and said: Thou twin of Christ, apostle of the Most High and
initiate in the hidden word of Christ who receivest his secret oracles, fellow
worker with the Son of God, who being free hast become a bondman, and being sold
hast brought many into liberty. Thou kinsman of the great race that hath
condemned the enemy and redeemed his own, that hast become an occasion of life
unto man in the land of the Indians; for thou hast come (against thy will, Syr.)
unto men that were in error, and by thy appearing and thy divine words they are
now turning unto the God of truth which sent thee: mount and sit upon me and
repose thyself until thou enter into the city. And the apostle answered and
said: O Jesu Christ (Son) that understandest the perfect mercy! O tranquillity
and quiet that now art spoken of (speakest, Syr.) by (among) brute beasts! O
hidden rest, that art manifested by thy working, Saviour of us and nourisher,
keeping us and resting in alien bodies! O Saviour of our souls! spring that is
sweet and unfailing; fountain secure and clear and never polluted; defender and
helper in the fight of thine own servants, turning away and scaring the enemy
from us, that fightest in many battles for us and makest us conquerors in all;
our true and undefeated champion (athlete); our holy and victorious captain:
glorious and giving unto thine own a joy that never passeth away, and a relief
wherein is none affliction; good shepherd that givest thyself for thine own
sheep, and hast vanquished the wolf and redeemed thine own lambs and led them
into a good pasture: we glorify and praise thee and thine invisible Father and
thine holy sipirit [and] the mother of all creation.
40 And when the apostle had said these things, all the multitude that were there
looked upon him, expecting to hear what he would answer to the colt. And the
apostle stood a long time as it were astonied, and looked up into heaven and
said to the colt: Of whom art thou and to whom belongest thou? for marvellous
are the things that are shown forth by thy mouth, and amazing and such as are
hidden frorn the many. And the colt answered and said: I am of that stock that
served Balaam, and thy lord also and teacher sat upon one that appertained unto
me by race. And I also have now been sent to give thee rest by thy sitting upon
me: and (that) I may receive (Syr. these may be confirmed in) faith, and unto me
may be added that portion which now I shall receive by thy service wherewith I
serve thee; and when I have ministered unto thee, it shall be taken from me. And
the apostle said unto him: He is able who granted thee this gift, to cause it to
be fulfilled unto the end in thee and in them that belong unto thee by race: for
as to this mystery I am weak and powerless. And he would not sit upon him. But
the colt besought and entreated him that he might be blessed of him by
ministering unto him. Then the apostic mounted him and sat upon him; and they
followed him, some going before and some following after, and all of them ran,
desiring to see the end, and how he would dismiss the colt.
41 But when he came near to the city gates he dismounted from him, saying:
Depart, and be thou kept safe where thou wert. And straightway the colt fell to
the ground at the apostle's feet and died. And all they that were present were
sorry and said to the apostle: Bring him to life and raise him up. But he
answered and said unto them: I indeed am able to raise him by the name of Jesus
Christ: but this is by all means expedient (or, this is by any means expedient).
For he that gave him speech that he might talk was able to cause that he should
not die; and I raise him not, not as being unable, but because this is that
which is expedient and profitable for him. And he bade them that were present to
dig a trench and bury his body and they did as they were commanded.
The Fifth Act: concerning the devil that took up his abode in the woman
42 And the apostle entered into the city and all the multitude followed him. And
he thought to go unto the parents of the young man whom he had made alive when
he was slain by the serpent: for they earnestly besought him to come unto them
and enter into their house. But a very beautiful woman on a sudden uttered an
exceeding loud cry, saying: O Apostle of the new God that art come into India,
and servant of that holy and only good God; for by thee is he preached, the
Saviour of the souls that come unto him, and by thee are healed the bodies of
them that are tormented by the enemy, and thou art he that is become an occasion
of life unto all that turn unto him: command me to be brought before thee that I
may tell thee what hath befallen me, and peradventure of thee I may have hope,
and these that stand by thee may be more confident in the God whom thou
preachest. For I am not a little tormented by the adversary now this five years'
space [one Greek MS. And the apostle bade her come unto him, and the woman stood
before him and said: I, O servant of him that is indeed God am a woman: the rest
have, As a woman] I was sitting at the first in quiet, and peace encompassed me
on every side and I had no care for anything, for I took no thought for any
other. 43 And it fell out one day that as I came out from the bath there met me
a man troubled and disturbed, and his voice and speech seemed to me exceeding
faint and dim; and he stood before me and said: I and thou will be in one love
and we will have intercourse together as a man with his wife; And I answered and
said to him: I never had to do with my betrothed, for I refused to marry, and
how shall I yield myself to thee that wouldest have intercourse with me in
adulterous wise? And having so said, I passed on, and I said to rny handmaid
that was with me: Sawest thou that youth and his shamelessness, how boldly he
spake with me, and had no shame? but she said to me: I saw an old man speaking
to thee. And when I was in mine house and had dined my soul suggested unto me
some suspicion and especially because he was seen of me in two forms; and having
this in my mind I fell asleep. He came, therefore, in that night and was joined
unto me in his foul intercourse. And when it was day I saw him and fled from
him, and on the night following that he came and abused me; and now as thou
seest me I have spent five years being troubled by him, and he hath not departed
from me. But I know and am persuaded that both devils and spirits and destroyers
are subject unto thee and are filled with trembling at thy prayers: pray thou
therefore for me and drive away from me the devil that ever troubleth me, that I
also may be set free and be gathered unto the nature that is mine from the
beginning, and receive the grace that hath been given unto my kindred.
44 And the apostle said: O evil that cannot be restrained! O shamelessness of
the enemy! O envious one that art never at rest! O hideous one that subduest the
comely! O thou of many forms! As he will he appeareth, but his essence cannot be
changed. O the crafty and faithless one! O the bitter tree whose fruits are like
unto him! O the devil that overcometh them that are alien to him! O the deceit
that useth impudence! O the wickedness that creepeth like a serpent, and that is
of his kindred! (Syr. wrongly adds a clause bidding the devil show himself.) And
when the apostle said this, the malicious one came and stood before him, no man
seeing him save the woman and the apostle, and with an exceeding loud voice said
in the hearing of all: 45 What have we to do with thee, thou apostle of the Most
High! What have we to do with thee, thou servant of Jesus Christ? What have we
to do with thee, thou counsellor of the holy Son of God? Wherefore wilt thou
destroy us, whereas our time is not yet come? Wherefore wilt thou take away our
power? for unto this hour we had hope and time remaining to us. What have we to
do with thee? Thou hast power over thine own, and we over ours. Wherefore wilt
thou act tyrannously against us, when thou thyself teachest others not to act
tyrannously? Wherefore dost thou crave other men's goods and not suffice thyself
with thine own? Wherefore art thou made like unto the Son of God which hath done
us wrong? for thou resemblest him altogether as if thou wert born of him. For we
thought to have brought him under the yoke like as we have the rest, but he
turned and made us subject unto him: for we knew him not; but he deceived us
with his form of all uncomeliness and his poverty and his neediness: for seeing
him to be such, we thought that he was a man wearing flesh, and knew not that it
is he that giveth life unto men. And he gave us power over our own, and that we
should not in this present time Ieave them but have our walk in them: but thou
wouldest get more than thy due and that which was given thee, and afflict us
altogether.
46 And having said this the devil wept, saying: I leave thee, my fairest
consort, whom long since I found and rested in thee; I forsake thee, my sure
sister, my beloved in whom I was well pleased. What I shall do I know not, or on
whom I shall call that he may hear me and help me. I know what I will do: I will
depart unto some place where the report of this man hath not been heard, and
peradventure I shall call thee, my beloved by another name (Syr. for thee my
beloved I shall find a substitute). And he lifted up his voice and said: Abide
in peace for thou hast taken refuge with one greater than I, but I will depart
and seek for one like thee, and if I find her not, I will return unto thee
again: for I know that whilst thou art near unto this man thou hast a refuge in
him, but when he departeth thou wilt be such as thou wast before he appeared,
and him thou wilt forget, and I shall have opportunity and confidence: but now I
fear the name of him that hath saved thee. And having so said the devil vanished
out of sight: only when he departed fire and smoke were seen there: and all that
stood there were astonied.
47 And the apostle seeing it, said unto them: This devil hath shown nought that
is alien or strange to him, but his own nature, wherein also he shall be
consumed, for verily the fire shall destroy him utterly and the smoke of it
shall be scattered abroad. And he began to say:
Jesu, the hidden mystery that hath been revealed unto us, thou art he that hast
shown unto us many mysteries; thou that didst call me apart from all my fellows
and spakest unto me three (one, Syr.) words wherewith I am inflamed, and am not
able to speak them unto others. Jesu, man that wast slain, dead buried! Jesu,
God of God, Saviour that quickenest the dead, and healest the sick! Jesu, that
wert in need like and savest as one that hath no need, that didst catch the fish
for the breakfast and the dinner and madest all satisfied with a little bread.
Jesu, that didst rest from the weariness of wayfaring like a man, and walkedst
on the waves like a God. 48 Jesu most high, voice arising from perfect mercy,
Saviour of all, the right hand of the light, overthrowing the evil one in his
own nature, and gathering all his nature into one place; thou of many forms,
that art only begotten, first-born of many brethren God of the Most High God,
man despised until now (Syr. and humble). Jesu Christ that neglectest us not
when we call upon thee, that art become an occasion of life unto all mankind,
that for us wast judged and shut up in prison, and loosest all that are in
bonds, that wast called a deceiver and redeemest thine own from error: I beseech
thee for these that stand here and believe on thee, for they entreat to obtain
thy gifts, having good hope in thy help, and having their refuge in thy
greatness; they hold their hearing ready to listen unto the words that are
spoken by us. Let thy peace come and tabernacle in them and renew them from
their former deeds, and let them put off the old man with his deeds, and put on
the new that now is proclaimed unto them by me.
49 And he laid his hands on them and blessed them, saying: The grace of our Lord
Jesus Christ shall be upon you for ever. And they said, Amen. And the woman
besought him, saying: O apostle of the Most High, give me the seal, that that
enemy return not again unto me. Then he caused her to come near unto him (Syr.
went to a river which was close by there), and laid his hands upon her and
sealed her in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost; and many
others also were sealed with her. And the apostle bade his minister (deacon) to
set forth a table; and he set forth a stool which they found there, and spread a
linen cloth upon it and set on the bread of blessing; and the apostle stood by
it and said: Jesu, that hast accounted us worthy to partake of the eucharist of
thine holy body and blood, lo, we are bold to draw near unto thine eucharist and
to call upon thine holy name: come thou and communicate unto us (Syr. adds
more).
50 And he began to say: Come, O perfect compassion, Come O communion of the
male, Come, she that knoweth the mysteries of him that is chosen, Come, she that
hath part in all the combats of the noble champion (athlete), Come, the silence
that revealeth the great things of the whole greatness, Come, she that
manifesteth the hidden things and maketh the unspeakable things plain, the holy
dove that beareth the twin young, Come, the hidden mother, Come, she that is
manifest in her deeds and giveth joy and rest unto them that are joined unto
her: Come and communicate with us in this eucharist which we celebrate in thy
name and in the love-feast wherein we are gathered together at thy calling.
(Syr. has other clauses and not few variants.) And having so said he marked out
the cross upon the bread, and brake it, and began to distribute it. And first he
gave unto the woman, saying: This shall be unto thee for remission of sins and
eternal transgressions (Syr. and for the everlasting resurrection). And after
her he gave unto all the others also which had received the seal (Syr. and said
to them: Let this eucharist be unto you for life and rest, and not for judgement
and vengeance. And they said, Amen. Cf. 29 fin.).
The Sixth Act: of the youth that murdered the Woman.
51 Now there was a certain youth who had wrought an abominable deed, and he came
near and received of the eucharist with his mouth: but his two hands withered
up, so that he could no more put them unto his own mouth. And they that were
there saw him and told the apostle what had befallen; and the apostle called him
and said unto him: Tell me, my child, and be not ashamed, what was it that thou
didst and camest hither? for the eucharist of the Lord hath convicted thee. For
this gift which passeth among many doth rather heal them that with faith and
love draw near thereto, but thee it hath withered away; and that which is come
to pass hath not befallen without some effectual cause. And the Youth, being
convicted by the eucharist of the Lord, came and tell at the apostle's feet and
besought him, saying: I have done an evil deed, yet I thought to do somewhat
good. I was enamoured of a woman that dwelleth at an inn without the city, and
she also loved me; and when I heard of thee and believed, that thou proclaimest
a living God, I came and received of thee the seal with the rest; for thou
saidst: Whosoever shall partake in the polluted union, and especially in
adultery, he shall not have life with the God whom I preach. Whereas therefore I
loved her much, I entreated her and would have persuaded her to become my
consort in chastity and pure conversation, which thou also teachest: but she
would not. When, therefore, she consented not, I took a sword and slew her: for
I could not endure to see her commit adultery with another man.
52 When the apostle heard this he said: O insane union how ruinest thou unto
shamelessness! O unrestrained lust, how hast thou stirred up this man to do
this! O work of the serpent, how art thou enraged against thine own! And the
apostle bade water to be brought to him in a bason; and when the water was
brought, he said: Come, ye waters from the living waters, that were sent unto
us, the true from the true, the rest that was sent unto us from the rest, the
power of salvation that cometh from that power which conquereth all things and
subdueth them unto its own will: come and dwell in these waters, that the gift
of the Holy Ghost may be perfcctly consummated in them. And he said unto the
youth: Go, wash thy hands in these waters. And when he had washed they were
restored; and the apostle said unto him: Believest thou in our Lord Jesus Christ
that he is able to do all things? And he said: Though I be the least, yet I
believe. But I committed this deed thinking that I was doing somewhat good: for
I besought her as I told thee, but she would not obey me, to keep herself
chaste.
53 And the apostle said to him: Come, let us go unto the inn where thou didst
commit this deed. And the youth went before the apostle in the way, and when
they came to the inn they found her Iying dead. And the apostle when he saw her
was sorry, for she was a comely girl. And he commanded her to be brought into
the midst of the inn: and they laid her on a bed and brought her forth and set
her down in the midst of the court of the inn. And the apostle laid his hand
upon her and began to say: Jesu, who alway showest thyself unto us; for this is
thy will, that we should at all times seek thee, and thyself hast given us this
power, to ask and to receive, and hast not only permitted this, but hast taught
us to pray: who art not seen of our bodily eyes, but art never hidden from the
eyes of our soul, and in thine aspect art concealed, but in thy works art
manifested unto us: and in thy many acts we have known thee so far as we are
able, and thyself hast given us thy gifts without measure, saying: Ask and it
shall be given unto you, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened
unto you: we beseech thee, therefore, having the fear (suspicion) of our sins;
and we ask of thee, not riches, not gold, not silver, not possessions, not aught
else of the things which come of the earth and return again unto the earth; but
this we ask of thee and entreat, that in thine holy name thou wouldest raise up
the woman that lieth here, by thy power, to the glory and faith of them that
stand by.
54 And he said unto the youth (Syr. ' Stretch thy mind towards our Lord,' and he
signed him with the cross), having signed (sealed) him: Go and take hold on her
hand and say unto her: I with my hands slew thee with iron, and with my hands in
the faith of Jesus I raise thee up. So the youth went to her and stood by her,
saying: I have believed in thee, Christ Jesu. And he looked unto Judas Thomas
the apostle and said to him: Pray for me that my Lord may come to my help, whom
I also call upon. And he laid his hand upon her hand and said: Come, Lord Jesu
Christ: unto her grant thou life and unto me the earnest of faith in thee. And
straightway as he drew her hand she sprang up and sat up, looking upon the great
company that stood by. And she saw the apostle also standing over against her,
and leaving the bed she leapt forth and fell at his feet and caught hold on his
raiment, saying: I beseech thee, my lord where is that other that was with thee,
who left me not to remain in that fearful and cruel place, but delivered me unto
thee, saying: Take thou this woman, that she may be made perfect, and hereafter
be gathered into her place?
55 And the apostle said unto her: Relate unto us where thou hast been. And she
answered: Dost thou who wast with me and unto whom I was delivered desire to
hear? And she began to say: [This desciption of hell-tourments is largely
derived from the Apocalypse of Peter] A man took me who was hateful to look upon
altogether black, and his raiment exceedingly foul, and took me away to a place
wherein were many pits (chasms), and a great stench and hateful odour issued
thence. And he caused me to look into every pit, and I saw in the (first) pit
flaming fire, and wheels of fire ran round there, and souls were hanged upon
those wheels, and were dashed (broken) against each other; and very great crying
and howling was there, and there was none to deliver. And that man said to me:
These souls are of thy tribe, and when the number of their days is accomplishcd
(lit. in the days of the number) they are (were) delivered unto torment and
affliction, and then are others brought in in their stead, and likewise these
into another place. These are they that have reversed the intercourse of male
and female. And I looked and saw infants heaped one upon another and struggling
with each other as they lay on them. And he answered and said to me: These are
the children of those others, and therefore are they set here for a testimony
against them. (Syr. omits this clause of the children, and lengthens and dilutes
the preceding speech.)
56 And he took me unto another pit, and I stooped and looked and saw mire and
worms welling up, and souls wallowing there, and a great gnashing of teeth was
heard thence from them. And that man said unto me: These are the souls of women
which forsook their husbands and committed adultery with others, and are brought
into this torment. Another pit he showed me whereinto I stooped and looked and
saw souls hanging, some by the tongue, some by the hair, some by the hands, and
some head downward by the feet, and tormented (smoked) with smoke and brimstone;
concerning whom that man that was with me answered me: The souls which are
hanged by the tongue are slanderers, that uttered Iying and shameful words, and
were not ashamed, and they that are hanged by the hair are unblushing ones which
had no modesty and went about in the world bareheaded; and they that are hanged
by the hands, these are they that took away and stole other men's goods, and
never gave aught to the needy nor helped the afflicted, but did so, desiring to
take all, and had no thought at all of justice or of the law; and they that hang
upside down by the feet, these are they that lightly and readily ran in evil
ways and disorderly paths, not visiting the sick nor escorting them that depart
this life, and therefore each and every soul receiveth that which was done by
it. (Syr. omits almost the whole section.)
57 Again he took me and showed me a cave exceeding dark, breathing out a great
stench, and many souls were looking out desiring to get somewhat of the air, but
their keepers suffered them not to look forth. And he that was with me said:
This is the prison of those souls which thou sawest: for when they have
fulfilled their torments for that which each did, thereafter do others succeed
them: and there be some that are wholly consumed and (some, Syr.) that are
delivered over unto other torments. And they that kept the souls which were in
the dark cave said unto the man that had taken me: Give her unto us that we may
bring her in unto the rest until the time cometh for her to be delivered unto
torment. But he answered them: I give her not unto you, for I fear him that
delivered her to me: for I was not charged to leave her here, but I take her
back with me until I shall receive order concerning her. And he took me and
brought me unto another place wherein were men being sharply tormented (Syr.
where men were). And he that was like unto thee took me and delivered me to
thee, saying thus to thee: Take her, for she is one of the sheep that have gone
astray. And I was taken by thee, and now am I before thee. I beseech thee,
therefore, and supplicate that I may not depart unto those places of punishment
which I have seen.
58 And the apostle said: Ye have heard what this woman hath related: and there
are not these torments only, but others also, worse than these; and ye, if ye
turn not unto this God whom I preach, and abstain from your former works and the
deeds which ye committed without knowledge, shall have your end in those
torments. Believe therefore on Christ Jesus, and he will forgive you the sins ye
have committed hitherto, and will cleanse you from all your bodily lusts that
abide on the earth, and will heal you of all your trespasses which follow you
and depart with you and are found upon (before) you. Put off therefore every one
of you the old man, and put on the new, and forsake your former walk and
conversation; and let them that stole steal no more, but live by labouring and
working; and let the adulterous no more fornicate, lest they deliver themselves
unto eternal torment; for adultery is before God exceeding evil beyond other
sins. And put away from you covetousness and Iying and drunkenness and
slandering, and render not evil for evil: for all these things are strange and
alien unto the God who is preached by me: but rather walk ye in faith and
meekness and holiness and hope, wherein God delighteth, that ye may become his
own, expecting of him the gifts which some few only do receive.
59 All the people therefore believed and gave their souls obediently unto the
living God and Christ Jesus, rejoicing in the blessed works of the Most High and
in his holy service. And they brought much money for the service of the widows:
for the apostle had them gathered together in the cities, and unto all of them
he sent provision by his own ministers (deacons), both clothes and nourishment.
And he himself ceased not preaching and speaking to them and showing that this
is Jesus Christ whom the scriptures proclaimed, who is come and was crucified,
and raised the third day from the dead. And next he showed them plainly,
beginning from the prophets, the things concerning the Christ, that it was
necessary that he should come, and that in him should be accomplished all things
that were foretold of him. And the fame of him went forth into all the cities
and countries, and all that had sick or them that were oppressed by unclean
spirits brought them, and some they laid in the way whereby he should pass, and
he healed them all by the power of the Lord. Then all that were healed by him
said with one accord: Glory be to thee, Jesu, who hast granted us all alike
healing through thy servant and apostle Thomas. And now being whole and
rejoicing, we beseech thee that we may be of thy flock, and be numbered among
thy sheep; receive us therefore, Lord, and impute not unto us our transgressions
and our former faults which we committed being in ignorance.
60 And the apostle said: Glory be to the only-begotten of the Father! Glory be
to the first-born of many brethren! Glory be to thee, the defender and helper of
them that come unto thy refuge! that sleepest not, and awakest them that are
asleep that livest and givest life to them that lie in death! O God Jesu Christ,
Son of the living God, redeemer and helper, refuge and rest of all that are
weary (labour) in thy work, giver of healing to them that for thy name s sake
bear the burden and heat of the day: we give thanks for (to) the gifts that are
given us of thee and granted us by thy help and thy dispensation that cometh
unto us from thee.
61 Perfect thou therefore these things in us unto the end that we may have the
boldness that is in thee: look upon us for for thy sake have we forsaken our
homes and our parents, and for thy sake have we gladly and willingly become
strangers: look upon us, Lord, for we have forsaken our own possessions for thy
sake, that we might gain thee the possession that cannot be taken away: look
upon us, Lord, for we have forsaken them that belong unto us by race, that we
might be joined unto thy kinship: look upon us, Lord, that have forsaken our
fathers and mothers and fosters, that we might behold thy Father, and be
satisfied with his divine food: look upon us, Lord, for for thy sake have we
forsaken our bodily consorts and our earthly fruits, that we might be partakers
in that enduring and true fellowship, and bring forth true fruits, whose nature
is from above, which no man can take from us, with whom we shall abide and who
shall abide with us.
The Seventh Act: of the Captain.
62 Now while the apostle Thomas was proclaiming throughout all India the word of
God, a certain captain of the king Misdaeus (Mazdai, Syr.) came to him and said
unto him: I have heard of thee that thou takest no reward of any man, but even
that thou hast thou givest to them that need. For if thou didst receive rewards,
I would have sent thee a great sum, and would not have come myself, for the king
doeth nought without me: for I have much substance and am rich, even one of the
rich men of India. And I have never done wrong to any; but the contrary hath
befallen me. I have a wife, and of her I had a daughter and I am well
affectioned toward her, as also nature requireth and have never made trial of
another wife. Now it chanced that there was a wedding in our city, and they that
made the marriage feast were well beloved of me: they came in therefore and bade
me to it, bidding also my mife and her daughter. Forasmuch then as they were my
good friends I could not refuse: I sent her therefore, though she desired not to
go, and with them I sent also many servants: so they departed, both she and her
daughter, decked with many ornaments.
63 And when it was evening and the time was come to depart from the wedding I
sent lamps and torches to meet them: and I stood in the street to espy when she
should come and I should see her with my daughter. And as I stood I heard a
sound of lamentation. Woe for her! vvas heard out of every mouth. And my
servants with their clothes rent came to me and told me what was done. We saw,
said they, a man and a boy with him. And the man laid his hand upon thy wife,
and the boy upon thy daughter: and they fled from them: and we smote (wounded)
them with our swords, but our swords fell to the ground. And the same hour the
womem fell down, gnashing their teeth and beating their heads upon the earth and
seeing this we came to tell it thee. And when I heard this of my servants I rent
my clothes and smote my face with my hands, and becoming like one mad I ran
along the street, and came and found them cast in the market-place; and I took
them and brought them to my house, and after a long space they awaked and stood
up, and sat down.
64 I began therefore to inquire of my wife: What is it that hath befallen thee?
And she said to me: Knowest thou not what thou hast done unto me? for I prayed
thee that I might not go to the wedding, because I was not of even health in my
body; and as I went on the way and came near to the aqueduct wherein the water
floweth, I saw a black man standing over against me nodding at me with his head,
and a boy like unto him standing by him; and I said to my daughter: Look at
those two hideous men, whose teeth are like milk and their lips like soot. And
we left them and went towards the aqueduct; and when it was sunset and we
departed from the wedding, as we passed by with the young men and drew near the
aqueduct, my daughter saw them first, and was affrighted and fled towards me;
and after her I also beheld them coming against us: and the servants that were
with us fled from them (Syr.) and they struck us, and cast down both me and my
daughter. And when she had told me these things, the devils came upon them again
and threw them down: and from that hour they are not able to come forth, but are
shut up in one room or a second (Syr. in a room within another): and on their
account I suffer much, and am distressed: for the devils throw them down
wheresoever they find them, and strip them naked. I beseech and supplicate thee
before God, help me and have pity on me, for it is now three years that a table
hath not been set in my house, and my wife and my daughter have not sat at a
table: and especially for mine unhappy daughter, which hath not seen any good at
all in this world.
65 And the apostle, hearing these things from the captain, was greatly grieved
for him, and said unto him: Believest thou that Jesus will heal them? And the
captain said: Yea. And the apostle said: Commit thyself then unto Jesus, and he
will heal them and procure them succour. And the captain said: Show me him, that
I may entreat him and believe in him. And the apostle said: He appeareth not
unto these bodily eyes, but is found by the eyes of the mind. The captain
therefore lifted up his voice and said: I believe thee, Jesu, and entreat and
supplicate thee, help my little faith which I have in thee. And the apostle
commanded Xenophon (Syr. Xanthippus) the deacon to assemble all the brethren;
and when the whole multitude was gathered, the apostle stood in the midst and
said:
66 Children and brethren that have believed on the Lord, abide in this faith,
preaching Jesus who was proclaimed unto you by me, to bring you hope in him; and
forsake not (be not forsaken of) him, and he will not forsake you. While ye
sleep in this slumber that weigheth down the sleepers, he, sleeping not, keepeth
watch over you; and when ye sail and are in peril and none can help, he walking
upon the waters supporteth and aideth. For I am now departing from you, and it
appeareth not if I shall again see you according to the flesh. Be ye not
therefore like unto the people of Israel, who losing sight of their pastors for
an hour, stumbled. But I leave unto you Xenophon the deacon in my stead; for he
also like myself proclaimeth Jesus: for neither am I aught, nor he, but Jesus
only; for I also am a man clothed with a body, a son of man like one of you; for
neither have I riches as it is found with some, which also convict them that
possess them, being wholly useless, and left behind upon the earth, whence also
they came, and they bear away with them the transgressions and blemishes of sins
which befall men by their means. And scantly are rich men found in almsgivillg:
but the merciful and lowly in heart, these shall inherit the kingdom of God: for
it is not beauty that endureth with men, for they that trust in it, when age
cometh upon them, shall suddenly be put to shame: all things therefore have
their time; in their season are they loved and hated. Let your hope then be in
Jesus Christ the Son of God, which is always loved, and always desired: and be
mindful of us, as we of you: for we too, if we fulfil not the burden of the
commandments are not worthy to be preachers of this name, and hereafter shall we
pay the price (punishment) of our own head.
67 And he prayed with them and continued with them a long time in prayer and
supplication, and committing them unto the Lord, he said: O Lord that rulest
over every soul that is in the body; Lord, Father of the souls that have their
hope in thee and expect thy mercies: that redeemest from error the men that are
thine own and settest free from bondage and corruption thy subjects that come
unto thy refuge: be thou in the flock of Xenophon and anoint it with holy oil,
and heal it of sores, and preserve it from the ravening wolves. And he laid his
hand on them and said: The peace of the Lord shall be upon you and shall journey
with us.
The Eighth Act: of the wild asses.
68 The apostle therefore went forth to depart on the way: and they all escorted
him, weeping and adjuring him to make remembrance of them in his prayers and not
to forget them. He went up then and sat upon the chariot, leaving all the
brethren, and the captain came and awaked the driver, saying: I entreat and pray
that I may become worthy to sit beneath his feet, and I will be his driver upon
this way, that he also may become my guide in that way whereby few go.
69 And when they had journeyed about two miles, the apostle begged of the
captain and made him arise and caused him to sit by him, suffering the driver to
sit in his own place. And as they went along the road, it came to pass that the
beasts were wearied with the great heat and could not be stirred at all. And the
captain was greatly vexed and wholly cast down, and thought to run on his own
feet and bring other beasts for the use of the chariot; but the apostle said:
Let not thine heart be troubled nor affrighted, but believe on Jesus Christ whom
I have proclaimed unto thee, and thou shalt see great wonders. And he looked and
saw a herd of wild asses feeding by the wayside, and said to the captain: If
thou hast believed on Christ Jesus, go unto that herd of wild asses and say:
Judas Thomas the apostle of Christ the new God saith unto you: Let four of you
come, of whom we have need (or, of whom we may have use).
70 And the captain went in fear, for they were many; and as he went, they came
to meet him; and when they were near, he said unto them: Judas Thomas the
apostle of the new God commandeth you: Let four of you come, of whom I have
need. And when the wild asses heard it, they ran with one accord and came to
him, and when they came they did him reverence. [Syr. has a long prayer: And
Judas Thomas the apostle of our Lord lifted up his voice in praise and said:
Glorious art thou, God of truth and Lord of all natures, for thou didst will
with thy will, and make all thy works and finish all thy creatures, and bring
them to the rule of their nature, and lay upon them all thy fear that they might
be subject to thy command. And thy will trod the path from thy secrecy to
manifestation, and was caring for every soul that thou didst make, and was
spoken of by the mouth of all the prophets, in all visions and sounds and
voices; but Israel did not obey because of their evil inclination. And thou,
because thou art Lord of all, hast a care for the creatures, so that thou
spreadest over us thy mercy in him who came by thy will and put on the body, thy
creature, which thou didst will and form according to thy glorious wisdom. He
whom thou didst appoint in thy secrecy and establish in thy manifestation, to
him thou hast given the name of Son, he who was thy will, the power of thy
thought; so that ye are by various names, the Father and the Son and the Spirit,
for the sake of the government of thy creatures, for the nourishing of all
natures, and ye are one in glory and power and will; and ye are divided without
being separated, and are one though divided, and all subsists in thee and is
subject to thee, because all is thine. And I rely upon thee, Lord, and by thy
command have subjected these dumb beasts, that thou mightest show thy
ministering power upon us and upon them because it is needful, and that thy name
might be glorilied in us and in the beasts that cannot speak.] And the apostle
said unto them: Peace be unto you. Yoke ye four of you in the stead of these
beasts that have come to a stand. And every one of them came and pressed to be
yoked: there were then four stronger than the rest, which also were yoked. And
the rest, some went before and some followed. And when they had journeyed a
little way he dismissed the colts, saying: I say unto you the inhabiters of the
desert, depart unto your pastures, for if I had had need of all, ye would all
have gone with me; but now go unto your place wherein ye dwell. And they
departed quietly until they were no more seen.
71 Now as the apostle and the captain and the driver went on, the wild asses
drew the chariot quietly and evenly, lest they should disturb the apostle of
God. And when they came near to the city gate they turned aside and stood still
before the doors of the captain's house. And the captain said: It is not
possible for me to relate what hath happened, but when I see the end I will tell
it. The whole city therefore came to see the wild asses under the yoke; and they
had heard also the report of the apostle that he was to come and visit them. And
the apostle asked the captain: Where is thy dwelling, and whither dost thou
bring us? And he said to him: Thou thyself knowest that we stand before the
doors, and these which by thy commandment are come with thee know it better than
I.
72 And having so said he came down from the chariot. The apostle therefore began
to say: Jesu Christ, that art blasphemed by the ignorance of thee in this
country; Jesu, the report of whom is strange in this city; Jesu, that receivest
all (Syr. sendest on before the apostles in every country and in every city, and
all thine that are worthy are glorified in thee; Jesu, that didst take a form
and become as a man, and wert seen of all us that thou mightest not separate us
from thine own love: thou, Lord, art he that gavest thyself for us, and with thy
blood hast purchased us and gained us as a possession of great price: and what
have we to give thee, Lord, in exchange for thy life which thou gavest for us?
for that which we would give, thou gavest us: and this is, that we should
entreat of thee and live.
73 And when he had so said, many assembled from every quarter to see the apostle
of the new God. And again the apostle said: Why stand we idle? Jesu, Lord, the
hour is come: what wilt thou have done? command therefore that that be fulfilled
which needeth to be done. Now the captain's wife and her daughter were sore
borne down by the devils, so that they of the house thought they would rise up
no more: for they suffered them not to partake of aught, but cast them down upon
their beds recognizing no man until that day when the apostle came thither. And
the apostle said unto one of the wild asses that were yoked on the right hand:
Enter thou within the gate, and stand there and call the devils and say to them:
Judas Thomas the apostle and disciple of Jesus Christ saith unto you: Come forth
hither: for on your account am I sent and unto them that pertain to you by race,
to destroy you and chase you unto your place, until the time of the end come and
ye go down into your own deep of darkness.
74 And that wild ass went in, a great multitude being with him, and said: Unto
you I speak, the enemies of Jesus that is called Christ: unto you I speak that
shut your eyes lest ye see the light: unto you I speak, children of Gehenna and
of destruction, of him that ceaseth not from evil until now, that alway reneweth
his workings and the things that befit his being: unto you I speak, most
shameless, that shall perish by your own hands. And what I shall say of your
destruction and end, and what I shall tell, I know not. For there are many
things and innumerable to the hearing: and greater are your doings than the
torment that is reserved for you (Syr. however great your bodies, they are too
small for your retributions). But unto thee I speak, devil, and to thy son that
followeth with thee: for now am I sent against you. And wherefore should I make
many words concerning your nature and root, which yourselves know and are not
ashamed? but Judas Thomas the apostle of Christ Jesus saith unto you, he that by
much love and affection is sent hither: Before all this multitude that standeth
here, come forth and tell me of what race ye are.
75 And straightway the woman came forth with her daughter, both like dead
persons and dishonoured in aspect: and the apostle beholding them was grieved.
especially for the girl, and saith unto the devils: God forbid that for you
there should be sparing or propitiation, for ye know not to spare nor to have
pity: but in the name of Jesus, depart from them and stand by their side. And
when the apostle had so said, the women fell down and became as dead; for they
neither had breath nor uttered speech: but the devil answered with a loud voice
and said: Art thou come hither again, thou that deridest our nature and race?
art thou come again, that blottest out our devices? and as I take it, thou
wouldest not suffer us to be upon the earth at all: but this at this time thou
canst not accomplish. And the apostle guessed that this devil was he that had
been driven out from that other woman.
76 And the devil said: I beseech thee, give me leave to depart even whither thou
wilt, and dwell there and take commandment from thee, and I will not fear the
ruler that hath authority over me. For like as thou art come to preach good
tidings, so I also am come to destroy; and like as, if thou fulfil not the will
of him that sent thee, he will bring punishment upon thy head, so I also if I do
not the will of him that sent me, before the season and time appointed, shall be
sent unto mine own nature; and like as thy Christ helpeth thee in that thou
doest, so also my father helpeth me in that I do; and like as for thee he
prepareth vessels worthy of thine inhabiting, so also for me he seeketh out
vessels whereby I may accomplish his deeds; and like as he nourisheth and
provideth for his subjects, so also for me he prepareth chastisements and
torments, with them that become my dwellingplaces (Syr. those in whom I dwell);
and like as for a recompense of thy working he giveth thee eternal life, so also
unto me he giveth for a reward of my works eternal destruction; and like as thou
art refreshed by thy prayer and thy good works and spiritual thanksgivings, so I
also am refreshed by murders and adulteries and sacrifices made with wine upon
altars (Syr. sacrifices and libations of wine), and like as thou convertest men
unto eternal life, so I also pervert them that obey me unto eternal destruction
and torment: and thou receivest thine own and I mine.
77 And when the devil had said these things and yet more the apostle said: Jesus
commandeth thee and thy son by me to enter no more into the habitation of man:
but go ye forth and depart and dwell wholly apart from the habitation of men.
And the devils said unto him: Thou hast laid on us a harsh commandment: but what
wilt thou do unto them that now are concealed from thee? for they that have
wrought all the images rejoice in them more than thee: and many of them do the
more part worship, and perform their will, sacrificing to them and bringing them
food, by libations and by wine and water and oflering with oblations. And the
apostle said: They also shall now be abolished, with their works. And suddenly
the devils vanished away: but the women lay cast upon the earth as if were dead,
and without speech.
78 And the wild asses stood together and parted not one from another; but he to
whom speech was given by the power of the Lord -while all men kept silence, and
looked to see what they would do- the wild ass said unto the apostle: Why
standest thou idle, O apostle of Christ the Most High, who looketh that thou
shouldest ask of him the best of learning? Wherefore then tarriest thou? (Syr.
that thou shouldest ask him, and he would give thee? Why delayest thou, good
disciple?) for lo, thy teacher desireth to show by thy hands his mighty works.
Why standest thou still, O herald of the hidden one? for thy (Lord) willeth to
manifest through thee his unspeakable things, which he reserveth for them that
are worthy of him, to hear them. Why restest thou, O doer of mighty works in the
name of the Lord? for thy Lord encourageth thee and engendereth boldness in
thee. Fear not, therefore; for he will not forsake the soul that belongeth unto
thee by birth. Begin therefore to call upon him and he will readily hearken to
thee. Why standest thou marvelling at all his acts and his workings? for these
are small things which he hath shown by thy means. And what wilt thou tell
concerning his great gifts? for thou wilt not be sufficient to declare them. And
why marvellest thou at his cures of the body which he worketh? (Syr. which come
to an end) especially when thou knowest that healing of his which is secure and
lasting, which he bringeth forth by his own nature? And why lookest thou unto
this temporal life, and hast no thought of that which is eternal (Syr. when thou
canst every day think on that which is eternal)?
79 But unto you the multitudes that stand by and look to see these that are cast
down raised up, I say, believe in the apostle of Jesus Christ: believe the
teacher of truth, believe him that showeth vou the truth, believe Jesus, believe
on the Christ that was born, that the born may live by his life: who also was
raised up through infancy, that perfection might appear by his manhood (man). He
did teach his own disciples: for he is the teacher of the truth and maketh wise
men wise (Syr. who went to school that through him perfect wisdom might be
known: he taught his teacher because he was the teacher of verity and the master
of the wise). Who also offered the gift in the temple that he might show that
all the (every) offering was sanctified. This is his apostle, the shewer-forth
of truth: this is he that performeth the will of him that sent him. But there
shall come false apostles and prophets of lawlessness, whose end shall be
according to their deeds; preaching indeed and ordaining to flee from
ungodliness, but themselves at all times detected in sins, clad indeed with
sheep's clothing, but within, ravening wolves. Who suffice not themselves with
one wife but corrupt many women; who, saying that they despise children, dcstroy
many children (boys), for whom they vvill pay the penalty; that content not
themselves wiih their own possessions, but desire that all useless things should
minister unto them only; professing to be his disciples; and with their mouth
they utter one thing, but in their heart they think another; charging other men
to beware of evil, but they themselves perform nought that is good; who are
accounted temperate, and charge other men to abstain from fornication theft, and
covetousness, but in all these things do they themselves walk secretly, teaching
other men not to do them.
80 And when the wild ass had declared all these things, all men gazed upon him.
And when he ceased the apostle said: What I shall think concerning thy beauty, O
Jesu, and what I shall tell of thee, I know not, or rather I am not able, for I
have no power to declare it, O Christ that art in rest, and only wise that only
knowest the inward of the heart and understandest the thought. Glory be to thee,
merciful and tranquil. Glory to thee, wise word. Glory to thy compassion that
was born unto us. Glory to thy mercy that was spread out over us. Glory to thy
greatness that was made small for us. Glory to thy most high kingship that was
humbled for us. Glory to thy might which was enfeebled for us. Glory to thy
Godhead that for us was seen in likeness of men. Glory to thy manhood that died
for us that it might make us live. Glory to thy resurrection from the dead; for
thereby rising and rest cometh unto our souls. Glory and praise (good report) to
thine ascending into the heavens; for thereby thou hast shewed us the path of
the height, and promised that we shall sit with thee on thy right hand and with
thee judge the twelve tribes of Israel. Thou art the heavenly word of the
Father: thou art the hidden light of the understanding, shewer of the way of
truth, driver away of darkness, and blotter-out of error.
81 Having thus spoken, the apostle stood over the women, saying: My Lord and my
God, I am not divided from thee (or doubt not concerning thee), nor as one
unbelieving do I call upon thee, who art always our helper and succourer and
raiser-up; who breathest thine own power into us and encouragest us and givest
confidence in love unto thine own servants. I beseech thee, let these souls be
healed and rise up and become such as they were before they were smitten of the
devils. And when he thus spake the women turned and sat up. And the apostle bade
the captain that his servants should take them and bring them within (Syr. and
give them food, for they had not eaten for many days). And when they were gone
in, the apostle said unto the wild asses, Follow me. And they went after him
until he had brought them without the gate. And when they had gone out, he said
to them: Depart in peace unto your pastures. The wild asses therefore went away
willingly; and the apostle stood and took heed to them lest they should be hurt
of any, until they had gone afar off and were no more seen. And the apostle
returned with the multitude into the house of the captain.
The Ninth Act: of the Wife of Charisius.
82 Now it chanced that a certain woman, the wife of Charisius, that was next
unto the king, whose name was Mygdonia, came to see and behold the new name and
the new God who was being proclaimed, and the new apostle who had come to visit
their country: and she was carried by her own servants; and because of the great
crowd and the narrow way they were not able to bring her near unto him. And she
sent unto her husband to send her more to minister to her; and they came and
approached her, pressing upon the people and beating them. And the apostle saw
it and said to them: Wherefore overthrow ye them that come to hear the word, and
are eager for it? and ye desire to be near me but are far off, as it was said of
the multitude that came unto the Lord: Having eyes ye see not, and having ears
ye hear not; and he said to the multitudes: He that hath ears to hear, let him
hear; and: Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give
you rest.
83 And looking upon them that carried her, he said unto them: This blessing and
this admonition [Here and elsewhere there is a marked divergence between the
texts of U and P, the Roman and Paris MSS.: Bonnet prints them separately. P is
on the whole much shorter. Syr. differs from both. I follow U, but it is very
corrupt.] which was promised unto them is for you that are heavily burdened now.
Ye are they that carry burdens grievous to be borne, and are borne about by her
command. And though ye are men, they lay on you loads as on brute beasts, for
they that have authority over you think that ye are not men such as themselves,
whether bond or free. For neither shall possessions profit the rich, nor poverty
save the poor from judgement; nor have we received a commandment which we are
not able to perform, nor hath he laid on us burdens grievous to be borne nhich
we are not able to carry; nor building which men build; nor to hew stones and
prepare houses, as your craftsmen do by their own knowledge. But this
commandment have we reccived of the Lord, that that which pleaseth not us when
it is done by another this we should not do to any other man.
84 Abstain therefore first from adultery, for this is the beginning of all
evils, and next from theft, which enticed Judas Iscariot, and brought him unto
hanging; (and from covetousness,) for as manv as yield unto covetousness see not
that which they do; and from vainglory and from all foul deeds, especially them
of the body, whereby cometh eternal condemnation. For this is the chief city of
all evils; and likewise it bringeth them that hold their heads (necks) high unto
tyranny, and draweth them down unto the deep, and subdueth them under its hands
that they see not what they do; wherefore the things done of them are hidden
from them.
85 But do ye become well-pleasing unto God in all good things, in meekness and
quietness: for these doth God spare, and granteth eternal life and setteth death
at nought. And in gentleness which followeth on all good things, and overcometh
all enemies and alone receiveth the crown of victory: with gentleness (Syr.),
and stretching out of the hand to the poor, and supplying the want of the needy,
and distributing to them that are in necessity, especially them that walk in
holiness. For this is chosen before God and leadeth unto eternal life: for this
is before God the chief city of all good: for they that strive not in the course
(stadium) of Christ shall not obtain holiness. And holiness did appear from God,
doing away fornication, overthrowing the enemy, well-pleasing unto God: for she
is an invincible champion (athlete), having honour from God, glorified of many:
she is an ambassador of peace, announcing peace: if any gain her he abideth
without care, pleasing the Lord, expecting the time of redemption: for she doeth
nothing amiss, but giveth life and rest and joy unto all that gain her. [P has
nothing of this, and Syr. makes better sense, but is not very interesting.]
86 But meekness hath overcome death and brought him under authority, meekness
hath enslaved the enemy (U and P and Syr. now present the same text), meekness
is the good yoke: meekness feareth not and opposeth not the many: meekness is
peace and joy and exaltation of rest. Abide ye therefore in holiness and receive
freedom from me, and be near unto meekness for in these three heads is portrayed
the Christ whom I proclaim unto you. Holiness is the temple of Christ, and he
that dwelleth in her getteth her for an habitation , because for forty days and
forty nights he fasted, tasting nothing: and he that keepeth her shall dwell in
her as on a mountain. And meekness is his boast: for he said unto Peter our
fellow apostle: Turn back thy sword and put it again into the sheath thereof:
for if I had willed so to do, could I not have brought more than twelve legions
of angels from my Father?
87 And when the apostle had said these things in the hearing of all the
multitude, they trode and pressed upon one another: and the wife of Charisius
the king's kinsman Ieapt out of her chair and cast herself on the earth before
the apostle, and caught his feet and besought and said: O disciple of the living
God, thou art come into a desert country, for we live in the desert; being like
to brute beasts in our conversation, but now shall we be saved by thy hands; I
beseech thee, therefore, take thought of me, and pray for me, that the
compassion of the God whom thou preachest may come upon me, and I may become his
dwelling place and be joined in prayer and hope and faith in him, and I also may
receive the seal and become an holy temple and he may dwell in me.
88 And the apostle said: I do pray and entreat for you all, brethren, that
believe on the Lord, and for you, sisters, that hope in Christ, that in all of
you the word of God may tabernacle and have his tabernacle therein: for we have
no power over them (Syr. because ye are given power over your own souls). And he
began to say unto the woman Mygdonia: Rise up from the earth and compose thyself
(take off thine ornaments, P; be mindful of thyself, Syr.). For this attire that
is put on shall not profit thee nor the beauty of thy body, nor thine apparel,
neither yet the fame of thy rank, nor the authority of this world, nor the
polluted intercourse with thine husband shall avail thee if thou be bereaved of
the true fellowship: for the appearance (fantasy) of ornamenting cometh to
nought, and the body waxeth old and changeth, and raiment weareth out, and
authority and lordship pass away (U corrupt; P abridges; Syr. has: passeth away
accompanied with punishment, according as each person hath conducted himself in
it), and the fellowship of procreation also passeth away, and is as it were
condemnation. Jesus only abideth ever, and they that hope in him. Thus he spake,
and said unto the woman: Depart in peace, and the Lord shall make thee worthy of
his own mysteries. But she said: I fear to go away, lest thou forsake me and
depart unto another nation. But the apostle said to her: Even if I go, I shall
not leave thee alone, but Jesus of his compassion will be with thee. And she
fell down and did him reverence and departed unto her house.
89 Now Charisius, the kinsman of Misdaeus the king, bathed himself and returned
and laid him down to dine. And he inquired concerning his wife, where she was;
for she had not come out of her own chamber to meet him as she was wont. And her
handmaids said to him: She is not well. And he entered quickly into the chamber
and found her Iying on the bed and veiled: and he unveiled her and kissed her,
saying: Wherefore art thou sorrowful to-day? And she said: I am not well. And he
said unto her: Wherefore then didst thou not keep the guise of thy freedom (Syr.
pay proper respect to thy position as a free woman) and remain in thy house, but
didst go and listen unto vain speeches and look upon works of sorcery? but rise
up and dine with me, for I cannot dine without thee. But she said to him: To-day
I decline it, for I am greatly afeared.
90 And when Charisius heard this of Mygdonia, he would not go forth to dinner,
but bade his servants bring her to dine with him (Syr. bring food to him that he
might sup in her presence): when then they brought it in, he desired her to dine
with him, but she excused herself; since then she would not, he dined alone,
saying unto her: On thine account I refused to dine with Misdaeus the king, and
thou, wast thou not willing to dine with me? but she said: It is because I am
not well. Charisius therefore rose up as he was wont and would sleep with her,
but she said: Did I not tell thee that for today I refused it?
91 When he heard that he went to another bed and slept; and awaking out of sleep
he said: My lady Mygdonia, hearken to the dream which I have seen. I saw myself
lie at meat near to Misdaeus the king, and a dish of all sorts was set before
us: and I saw an eagle come down from heaven and carry off from before me and
the king two partridges, which he set against his heart; and again he came over
us and flew about above us, and the king bade a bow to be brought to him; and
the eagle again caught away from before us a pigeon and a dove, and the king
shot an arrow at him, and it passed through him from one side to the other and
hurt him not; and he being unscathed rose up into his own nest. And I awoke, and
I am full of fear and sore vexed, because I had tasted of the partridge, and he
suffered me not to put it to my mouth again. And Mygdonia said unto him: Thy
dream is good: for thou every day eatest partridges, but this eagle had not
tasted of a partridge until now.
92 And when it was morning Charisius went and dressed himself and shod his right
foot with his left shoe; and he stopped, and said to Mygdonia: What then is this
matter? for look, the dream and this action of mine! But Mygdonia said to him:
And this also is not evil, but seemeth to me very good; for from an unlucky act
there will be a change unto the better. And he washed his hands and went to
salute Misdaeus the king.
93 And likewise Mygdonia rose up early and went to salute Judas Thomas the
apostle, and she found him discoursing with the captain and all the multitude,
and he was advising them and speaking of the woman which had received the Lord
in her soul, whose wife she was; and the captain said: She is the wife of
Charisius the kinsman of Misdaeus the king. And: Her husband is a hard man, and
in every thing that he saith to the king he obeyeth him: and he will not suffer
her to continue in this mind which she hath promised; for often-times hath he
praised her before the king, saying that there is none other like her in love:
all things therefore that thou speakest unto her are strange unto her. And the
apostle said: If verily and surely the Lord hath risen upon her soul and she
hath received the seed that was cast on her, she will have no care of this
temporal life, nor fear death, neither will Charisius be able to harm her at
all: for greater is he whom she hath received into her soul, if she have
received him indeed.
94 And Mygdonia hearing this said unto the apostle: In truth, my lord, I have
received the seed of thy words, and I will bear fruit like unto such seed. The
apostle saith: Our souls give praise and thanks unto thee, O Lord, for they are
thine: our bodies give thanks unto thee, which thou hast accounted worthy to
become the dwelling-place of thy heavenly gift. And he said also to them that
stood by: Blessed are the holy, whose souls have never condemned them, for they
have gained them and are not divided against themselves: blessed are the spirits
of the pure, and they that have received the heavenly crown whole from the world
(age) which hath been appointed them: blessed are the bodies of the holy, for
they have been made worthy to become temples of God, that Christ may dwell in
them: blessed are ye, for ye have power to forgive sins: blessed are ye if ye
lose not that which is committed unto you, but rejoicing and departing bear it
away with you: blessed are ye the holy, for unto you it is given to ask and
receive: blessed are ye meek for you hath God counted worthy to become heirs of
the heavenly kingdom. Blessed are ye meek, for ye are they that have overcome
the enemy: blessed are ye meek, for ye shall see the face of the Lord. Blessed
are ye that hunger for the Lord's sake for for you is rest laid up, and your
souls rejoice from henceforth. Blessed are ye that are quiet, (for ye have been
counted worthy) to be set free from sin [and from the exchange of clean and
unclean beasts]. And when the apostle had said these things in the hearing of
all the multitude, Mygdonia was the more confirmed in the faith and glory and
greatness of Christ.
95 But Charisius the kinsman and friend of Misdaeus the king came to his
breakfast and found not his wife in the house; and he inquired of all that were
in his house: Whither is your mistress oone? And one of them answered and said:
She is gone unto that stranger. And when he heard this of his servant, he was
wroth with the other servants because they had not straightway told him what was
done: and he sat down and waited for her. And when it was evening and she was
come into the house he said to her: Where wast thou? And she answered and said:
With the physician. And he said: Is that stranger a physician? And she said:
Yea, he is a physician of souls: for most physicians do heal bodies that are
dissolved, but he souls that are not destroyed. Charisius, hearing this, was
very angry in his mind with Mygdonia because of the apostle, but he answered her
nothing, for he was afraid; for she was above him both in wealth and birth: but
he departed to dinner, and she went into her chamber. And he said to the
servants: Call her to dinner. But she would not come.
96 And when he heard that she would not come out of her chamber, he went in and
said unto her: Wherefore wilt thou not dine with me and perchance not sleep with
me as the wont is? yea, concerning this I have the greater suspicion, for I have
heard that that sorcerer and deceiver teacheth that a man should not live with
his wife, and that which nature requireth and the godhead hath ordained he
overthroweth. When Charisius said these things, Mygdonia kept silence. He saith
to her again: My lady and consort Mygdonia, be not led astray by deceitful and
vain words, nor by the works of sorcery which I have heard that this man
performeth in the name of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; for it was never yet
heard in the world that any raised the dead, and, as I hear, it is reported of
this man that he raiseth dead men. And for that he neither eateth nor drinketh,
think not that for righteousness sake he neither eateth nor drinketh but this he
doth because he possesseth nought, for what should he do which hath not even his
daily bread? And he hath one garment because he is poor, and as for his not
receiving aught of any (he doth so, to be sure, because he knoweth in himself
that he doth not verily heal any man, Syr.).
97 And when Charisius so said, Mygdonia was silent as any stone, but she prayed,
asking when it should be day, that she might go to the apostle of Christ. And he
withdrew from her and went to dinner heavy in mind, for he thought to sleep with
her according to the wont. And when he was gone out, she bowed her knees and
praved, saying: Lord God and Master, merciful Father, Savionr Christ, do thou
give me strength to overcome thc shamelessness of Charisius, and grant me to
keep the holiness wherein thou delightest, that I also may by it find eternal
life. And when she had so prayed she laid herself on her bed and veiled herself.
98 But Charisius having dined came upon her, and she cried out, saying: Thou
hast no more any room by me: for my Lord Jesus is greater than thou, who is with
me and resteth in me. And he laughed and said: Well dost thou mock, saying this
of that sorcerer, and well dost thou deride him, who saith: Ye have no life with
God unless ye purify yourselves. And when he had so said he essayed to sleep
with her, but she endured it not and cried out bitterly and said: I call upon
thee, Lord Jesu, forsake me not! for with thee have I made my refuge; for when I
learned that thou art he that seekest out them that are veiled in ignorance and
savest them that are held in error And now I entreat thee whose report I have
heard and believed, come thou to my help and save me from the shamelessness of
Charisius, that his foulness may not get the upper hand of me. And she smote her
hands together (tied his hands, Syr.) and fled from him naked, and as she went
forth she pulled down the curtain of the bed-chamber and wrapped it about her;
and went to her nurse, and slept there with her.
99 But Charisius was in heaviness all night, and smote his face with his hands,
and he was minded to go that very hour and tell the king concerning the violence
that was done him, but he considered with himself, saying: If the great
heaviness which is upon me compelleth me to go now unto the king, who will bring
me in to him? for I know that my abuse hath overthrown me from my high looks and
my vainglory and majesty, and hath cast me down into this vileness and separated
my sister Mygonia from me. Yea, if the king himself stood before the dools at
this hour, I could not have gone out and answered him. But I will wait until
dawn, and I know that whatsoever I ask of the king, he granteth it me: and I
will tell him of the madness of this stranger, how that it tyrannously casteth
down the great and illustrious into the depth. For it is not this that grieveth
me, that I am deprived of her companying, but for her am I grieved, because her
greatness of soul is humbled: being an honourable lady in whom none of her house
ever found fault (condemned), she hath fled away naked, running out of her own
bedchamber, and I know not whither she is gone; and it may be that she is gone
mad by the means of that sorcerer, and in her madness hath gone forth into the
market-place to seek him; for there is nothing that appealeth unto her lovable
except him and the things that are spoken by him.
100 And so saving he began to lament and say: Woe to me, O my consort, and to
thee besides! for I am too quickly bereaved of thee. Woe is me, my most dear
one, for thou excellest all my race: neither son nor daughter have I had of thee
that I might find rest in them; neither hast thou yet dwelt with me a full year,
and an evil eye hath caught thee from me. Would that the violence of death had
taken thee, and I should yet have reckoned myself among kings and nobles: but
that I should suffer this at the hands of a stranger, and belike he is a slave
that hath run away, to mine ill fortune and the sorrow of mine unhappy soul! Let
there be no impediment for me until I destroy him and avenge this night, and may
I not be well-pleasing before Misdaeus the king if he avenge me not with the
head of this stranger; (and I will also tell him) of Siphor the captain vvho
hath been the occasion of this. For by his means did fhe stranger appear here,
and lodgeth at his house: and many there be that go in and come out whom he
teacheth a new doctrine; saying that none can live if he quit not all his
substance and become a renouncer like himself: and he striveth to make many
partakers with him.
101 And as Charisius thought on these things, the day dawned: and after the
night (?) he put on a mean habit, and shod himself, and went downcast and in
heaviness to salute the king. And when the king saw him he said: Wherefore art
thou sorrowful, and comest in such garb? and I see that thy countenance is
changed. And Charisius said unto the king: I have a new thing to tell thee and a
new desolation which Siphor hath brought into India, even a certain Hebrew, a
sorcerer, whom he hath sitting in his house and who departeth not from him: and
many are there that go in to him: whom also he teacheth of a new God, and layeth
on them new laws such as never yet were heard, saving: It is impossible for you
to enter into that eternal life which I proclaim unto you, unless ye rid you of
your wives, and likewise the wives of their husbands. And it chanced that mine
unlucky wife also went to him and became a hearer of his words, and she believed
them, and in the night she forsook me and ran unto the stranger. But send thou
for both Siphor and that sorcerer that is hid with (in) him, and visit it (?) on
their head, lest all that are of our nation perish.
102 And when Misdaeus his friend heard this he saith to him: Be not grieved nor
heavy, for I will send for him and avenge thee, and thou shalt have thy wife
again, and the others that cannot I will avenge. And the king went forth and sat
on the judgement seat, and when he was set he commanded Siphor the captain to be
called. They went therefore unto his house and found him sitting on the right
hand of the apostle and Mygdonia at his feet, hearkening to him with all the
multitude. And they that were sent from the king said unto Siphor: Sittest thou
here listening to vain words, and Misdaeus the king in his wrath thinketh to
destroy thee because of this sorcerer and deceiver whom thou hast brought into
thine house? And Siphor hearing it was cast down, not because of the king's
threat against him, but for the apostle, because the king was disposed contrary
to him. And he said to the apostle: I am grieved concerning thee: for I told
thee at the first that that woman is the wife of Charisius the king's friend and
kinsman, and he will not suf'fer her to perform that she hath promised, and all
that he asketh of the king he granteth him. But the apostle said unto Siphor:
Fear nothing, but believe in Jesus that pleadeth for us all, for unto his refuge
are we gathered together. And Siphor, hearing that, put his garment about him
and went unto Misdaeus the king,
103 And the apostle inquired of Mygdonia: What was the cause that thy husband
was wroth with thee and devised this against us? And she said: Because I gave
not myself up unto his corruption (destruction): for he desired last night to
subdue me and subject me unto that passion which he serveth: and he to whom I
have committed my soul delivered me out of his hands; and I fled away from him
naked, and slept with my nurse: but that which befell him I know not, wherefore
he hath contrived this. The apostle saith: These things will not hurt us; but
believe thou on Jesus, and he shall overthrow the wrath of Charisius and his
madness and his impulse; and he shall be a companion unto thee in the fearful
way, and he shall guide thee into his kingdom, and shall bring thee unto eternal
life giving thee that confidence which passeth not away nor changeth.
104 Now Siphor stood before the king, and he inquired of him: Who is that
sorcerer and whence, and what teacheth he whom thou hast lurking in thine house?
And Siphor answered the king: Thou art not ignorant, O king, what trouble and
grief I, with my friends had concerning my wife, whom thou knowest and many
others remember, and concerning my daughter, whom I value more than all my
possessions, what a time and trial I suffered; for I became a laughing-stock and
a curse in all our country. And I heard the report of this man and went to him
and entreated him, and took him and brought him hither. And as I came by the way
I saw wonderful and amazing things: and here also many did hear the wild ass and
concerning that devil whom he drove out, and healed my wife and daughter, and
now are they whole; and he asked no reward but requireth faith and holiness,
that men should become partakers with him in that which he doeth: and this he
teacheth to worship and fear one God, the ruler of all things, and Jesus Christ
his Son, that they may have eternal life. And that which he eateth is bread and
salt, and his drink is water from evening unto evening, and he maketh many
prayers; and whatsoever he asketh of his God, he giveth him. And he teacheth
that this God is holy and mighty, and that Christ is living and maketh alive,
wherefore also he chargeth them that are there present to come unto him in
holiness and purity and love and faith.
105 And when Misdaeus the king heard these things of Siphor he sent many
soldiers unto the house of Siphor the captain, to bring Thomas the apostle and
all that were found there. And they that were sent entered in and found him
teaching much people; and Mygdonia sat at his feet. And when they beheld the
great multitude that were about him, they feared, and departed to their king and
said: We durst not say aught unto him, for there was a great multitude about
him, and Mygdonia sitting at his feet was listening to the things that were
spoken by him. And when Misdaeus the king and Charisius heard these things,
Charisius leaped out from before the king and drew much people with him and
said: I will bring him, O king, and Mygdonia whose understanding he hath taken
away. And he came to the house of Siphor the captain, greatly disturbed, and
found him (Thomas) teaching: but Mygdonia he found not, for she had withdrawn
herself unto her house, having learnt that it had been told her husband that she
was there.
106 And Charisius said unto the apostle: Up, thou wicked one and destroyer and
enemy of mine house: for me thy sorcery harmeth not, for I will visit thy
sorcery on thine head. And when he so said, the apostle looked upon him and said
unto him: Thy threatenings shall return upon thee, for me thou wilt not harm any
whit: for greater than thee and thy king and all your army is the Lord Jesus
Christ in whom I have my trust. And Chalisius took a kerchief (turban, Syr.) of
one of his slaves and cast it about the neck of the apostle, saying: Hale him
and bring him away; let me see if his God is able to deliver him out of my
hands. And they haled him and led him away to Misdaeus the king. And the apostle
stood before the king, and the king said to him: Tell me who thou art and by
what power thou doest these things. But the apostle kept silence. And the king
commanded his officers (subjects) that he should be scourged with an hundred and
twenty-eight (hundred and fifty, Syr.) blows, and bound, and be cast into the
prison; and they bound him and led him away. And the king and Charisius
considered how they should put him to death, for the multitude worshipped him as
God. And they had it in mind to say: The stranger hath reviled the king and is a
deceiver.
107 But the apostle went unto the prison rejoicing and exulting, and said: I
praise thee, Jesu, for that thou hast not only made me worthy of faith in thee,
but also to endure much for thy sake. I give thee thanks therefore, Lord, that
thou hast taken thought for me and given me patience: I thank thee Lord, that
for thy sake I am called a sorcerer and a wizard. Receive thou me therefore with
the blessing (Syr. Iet me receive of the blessing) of the poor, and of the rest
of the weary, and of the blessings of them whom men hate and persecute and
revile, and speak evil words of them. For lo, for thy sake I am hated: lo for
thy sake I am cut off from the many, and for thy sake they call me such an one
as I am not.
108 And as he prayed, all the prisoners looked on him, and besought him to pray
for them: and when he had prayed and was set down, he began to utter a psalm in
this wise:
[Here follows the Hymn of the Soul: a most remarkable composition, originally
Syriac, and certainly older than the Acts, with which it has no real connexion.
We have it in Greek in one manuscript, the Vallicellian, and in a paraphrase by
Nicetas of Thessalonica, found and edited by Bonnet.]
1 When I was an infant child
in the palace of my Father
2 and resting in the wealth and luxury of my nurturers,
out of the East, our native country, my parents provisioned me and sent me.
4 And of the wealth of those their treasures they put together a load
5 both great and light, that I might carry it alone.
6 Gold is the load, of them that are above (or of the land of the Ellaeans or
Gilaeans),
and silver of the great treasures (or of Gazzak the great)
7 and stones, chalcedonies from the Indians
and pearls from the Kosani (Kushan).
8 And they armed me with adamant
9 and they took off from me (Gr. put on me) the garment set with gems, spangled
with gold, which they had made for me because they loved me
10 and the robe that was yellow in hue, made for my stature.
11 And they made a covenant with me, and inscribed it on mine understanding,
that I should forget it, and said:
12 If thou go down into Egypt, and bring back thence the one pearl
13 which is there girt about by the devouring serpent
14 thou shalt put on the garment set with gems, and that robe whereupon it
resteth (or which is thereon)
15 and become with thy brother that is next unto us (Gr. of the well-
remembered) an heir (Gr. herald) in our kingdom.
109. 16 And I came out of the East by a road difficult and fearful, with two
guides
17 and I was untried in travelling by it.
18 And I passed by the borders of the Mosani (Maishan) where is the resort of
the merchants of the East,
19 and reached the land of the Babylonians .
20 But when I entered into Egypt, the guides left me which had journeyed with
me.
21 And I set forth by the quickest way to the serpent, and by his hole I abode
22 watching for him to slumber and sleep, that I might take my pearl from him.
23 And forasmuch as I was alone I made mine aspect strange, and appeared as an
alien to my people.
24 And there I saw my kinsman from the East, the free-born
25 a lad of grace and beauty, a son of princes (or an anointed one).
26 He came unto me and dwelt with me,
27 and I had him for a companion, and made him my friend and partaker in my
journey (or merchandise).
28 And I charged him to beware of the Egyptians, and of partaking of those
unclean things (or consorting with those unclean men).
29 And I put on their raiment, lest I should seem strange, as one that had come
from without
30 to recover the pearl; and lest the Egyptians should awake the serpent against
me.
31 But, I know not by what occasion, they learned that I was not of their
country.
32 And with guile they mingled for me a deceit, and I tasted of their food.
33 And I knew no more that I was a king's son, and I became a servant unto their
king.
34 And I forgat also the pearl for which my fathers had sent me,
35 and by means of the heaviness of their food I fell into a deep sleep.
110. 36 But when this befell me, my fathers also were ware of it, and grieved
for me
37 and a proclamation was published in our kingdom, that all should meet at our
doors.
38 And then the kings of Parthia and they that bare office and the great ones of
the East
39 made a resolve concerning me, that I should not be left in Egypt,
40 and the princes wrote unto me signifying thus (and every noble signed his
name to it, Syr.):
41 From the (thy) Father the King of kings, and thy mother that ruleth the East,
42 and thy brother that is second unto us; unto our son that is in Egypt, peace.
43 Rise up and awake out of sleep, and hearken unto the words of the letter
44 and remember that thou art a son of kings; lo, thou hast come under the yoke
of bondage.
45 Remember the pearl for the which thou wast sent into Egypt (Gr. puts this
after 46).
46 Remember thy garment spangled with gold,
47 Thy name is named in the book of life,
48 and with thy brother whom thou hast received in our kingdom.
111. 49 and the King [as ambassador] sealed it
50 because of the evil ones, even the children of the Babylonians and the
tyrannous demons of Labyrinthus (Sarbug, Syr.).
51 52 It flew and lighted down by me, and became all speech.>
53 And I at the voice of it and the feeling of it started up out of sleep
54 and I took it up and kissed it and read it.
55 And it was written concerning that which was recorded in mine heart.
56 And I remembered forthwith that I was a son of kings, and my freedom yearned
(sought) after its kind.
57 I remembered also the pearl for the which I was sent down into Egypt
58 and I began (or came) with charms against the terrible serpent,
59 and I overcame him (or put him to sleep) by naming the name of my Father upon
him,
60 .
61 And I caught away the pearl and turned back to bear it unto my fathers.
62 And I stripped off the filthy garment and left it in their land,
63 and directed my way forthwith to the light of my fatherland in the East.
64 And on the way I found my letter that had awakened me,
65 and it, like as it had taken a voice and raised me when I slept, so also
guided me with the light that came from it.
66 For at times the royal garment of silk before mine eyes,
67
68 and with love leading me and drawing me onward,
69 I passed by Labyrinthus (Sarbug), and I left Babylon upon my left hand
70 and I came unto Meson (Mesene; Maishan) the great,
71 that lieth on the shore of the sea,
72 73 from the heights of Warkan (Hyrcania?) had my parents sent thither
74 by the hand of their treasurers, unto whom they committed it because of their
faithfulness>.
112. 75 But I remembered not the brightness of it; for I was yet a child and
very young when I had left it in the palace ot my Father,
76 but suddenly, [when] I saw the garment made like unto me as it had been in a
mirror.
77 And I beheld upon it all myself (or saw it wholly in myself) and I knew and
saw myself through it,
78 that we were divided asunder, being of one; and again were one in one shape.
79 Yea, the treasurers also which brought me the garment
80 I beheld, that they were two, yet one shape was upon both, one royal sign was
set upon both of them.
81 The money and the wealth had they in their hands, and paid me the due price,
82 and the lovely garment, which was variegated with bright colours
83 with gold and precious stones and pearls of comely hue
84 they were fastened above (or in the height)
85 .
86 And the likeness of the King of kings was all in all of it.
87 Sapphire stones were fitly set in it above (or, like the sapphire stone also
were its manifold hues).
113. 88 And again I saw that throughout it motions of knowledge were being sent
forth,
89 and it was ready to utter speech.
90 And I heard it speak :
91 I am of him that is more valiant than all men, for whose sake I was reared up
with the Father himself.
92 And I also perceived his stature (so Gr.- Syr. I perceived in myself that my
stature grew in accordance with his working).
93 And all its royal motions rested upon me as it grew toward the impulse of it
(And with its kingly motions it was spreading itself toward me).
94 And it hastened, reaching out from the hand of unto him that would receive it
95 and me also did yearning arouse to start forth and meet it and receive it.
96 And I stretched forth and received it, and adorned myself with the beauty of
the colours thereof (mostly Syr.; Gr. corrupt)
97 and in my royal robe excelling in beauty I arrayed myself wholly.
98 And when I had put it on, I was lifted up unto the place of peace
(sahltation) and homage
99 and I bowed my head and worshipped the brightness of the Father which had
sent it unto me.
100 for I had performed his commandments, and he likewise that which he had
promised,
101 and at the doors of his palace which was from the beginning I mingled among
,
102 and he rejoiced over me and received me with him into his palace,
103 and all his servants do praise him vvith sweet voices.
104 And he promised me that with him I shall be sent unto the gates of the king,
105 that with my gifts and my pearl we may appear together before the king.
[Immediately on this, in the Syriac, follows a Song of Praise of Thomas the
apostle consisting of forty-two ascriptions of praise and four final clauses
(Wright, pp. 245-51). It has no bearing on the Acts, and is not in itself so
remarkable as to need to be inserted here.]
114 And Charisius went home glad, thinking that his wife would be with him, and
that she had become such as she was before, even before she heard the divine
word and believed on Jesus. And he went, and found her with her hair dishevelled
and her clothes rent, and when he saw it he said unto her: My lady Mygdonia, why
doth this cruel disease keep hold on thee? and wherefore hast thou done this? I
am thine husband from thy virginity, and both the gods and the law grant me to
have rule over thee, what is this great madness of thine, that thou art bccome a
derision in all our nation? but put thou away the care that cometh of that
sorcerer; and I will remove his face from among us, that thou mayest see him no
more.
115 But Mygdonia when she heard that gave herself up unto grief, groaning and
lamenting and Charisius said again; Have I then so much wronged the gods that
they have afflicted me with such a disease? what is my great offence that they
have cast me into such humiliation? I beseech thee. Mvgdonia trangle my soul no
more with the pitiful sight of thee and thy mean appearance and afflict not mine
heart with care for thee I am Charisius thine husband, whom all the nation
honoureth and feareth. What must I do? I know not whither to turn. What am I to
think? shall I keep silence and endure? yet who can be patient when men take his
treasure? and who can endure to lose thy sweet ways? and what is there for me?
(Syr. thy beauties which are ever before me) the fragrance of thee is in my
nostrils, and thy bright face is fixed in mine eyes. They are taking away my
soul, and the fair body which I rejoiced to see they are destroying, and that
sharpest of eyes they are blinding and cutting off my right hand: my joy is
turning to grief and my life to death, and the light of it is being dyed (?)
with darkness. Let no man of you my kindred henceforth look on me; from you no
help hath come to me, nor will I hereafter worship the gods of the east that
have enwrapped me in such calamities, nor pray to them any more nor sacrifice to
them, for I am bereaved of my spouse. And what else should I ask of them? for
all my glory is taken away, yet am I a prince and next unto the king in power;
but Mygdonia hath set me at nought, and taken away all these things. (Would that
some one would blind one of my eyes, and that thine eyes would look upon me as
they were wont, Syr. which has more clauses, to the same effect.)
116 And while Charisius spake thus with tears, Mygdonia sat silent and looking
upon the ground; and again he came unto her and said: My lady Mygdonia, most
desired of me, remember that out of all the women that are in India I chose and
took thee as the most beautiful, though I might have joined to myself in
marriage many more beautiful: but yet I lie, Mygdonia, for by the gods it would
not have been possible to find another like thee in the land of India; but woe
is me alway, for thou wilt not even answer me a word: but if thou wilt, revile
me, so that I may only be vouchsafed a word from thee. Look at me, for I am more
comely than that sorcerer: but thou art my wealth and honour: and all men know
that there is none like me: and thou art my race and kindred; and lo, he taketh
thee away from me.
117 And when Charisius had so said, Mygdonia saith unto him: He whom I love is
better than thee and thy substance: for thy substance is of earth and returneth
unto the earth; but he whom I love is of heaven and will take me with him unto
heaven. Thy wealth shall pass awav, and thy beauty shall vanish, and thy robes,
and thy many works: and thou shalt be alone, naked, with thy transgressions.
Call not to my remembrance thy deeds (unto me), for I pray the Lord that I may
forget thee, so as to remember no more those former pleasures and the custom of
the body; which shall pass away as a shadow, but Jesus only endureth for ever,
and the souls which hope in him. Jesus himself shall quit me of the shameful
decds which I did with thee. And when Charisius heard this, he turned him to
sleep, vexed (dissolved) in soul, saying to her: Consider it by thyself all this
night: and if thou wilt be with me such as thou wast before, and not see that
sorcerer, I will do all according to thy mind, and if thou wilt remove thine
affection from him I will take him out of the prison and let him go and remove
into another country, and I will not vex thee, for I know that thou makest much
of the stranger. And not with thee first did this matter come about, for many
other women also hath he deceived with thee; and they have awaked sober and
returned to themselves: do not thou then make nought of my words and cause me to
be a reproach among the Indians.
118 And Charisius having thus spoken went to sleep: but she took ten denarii (20
zuze, Syr.), and went secretly to give them to the gaolers that she might enter
in to the apostle. But on the way Judus Thomas came and met her, and she saw him
and was afraid, for she thought that he was one of the rulers: for a great light
went before him. And she said to herself as she fled: have lost thee, O my
unhappy soul! for thou wilt not again see Judas the apostle of the living , and
not yet hast thou received the holy seal. And she fled and ran into a narrow
place and there hid herself, saying: I would rather choose to be killed (taken)
by the poorer, whom it is possible to persuade, than to fall into the hand of
this mighty ruler, who will despise gifts.
The Tenth Act: wherein Mygdonia receiveth baptism.
119 And while Mygdonia thought thus with herself, Judas came and stood over her,
and she saw him and was afraid, and fell down and became lifeless with terror.
But he stood by her and took her by the hand and said unto her: Fear not,
Mygdonia: Jesus will not leave thee, neither will the Lord unto whom thou hast
committed thy soul overlook thee. His compassionate rest will not forsake thee:
he that is kind will not forsake thee, for his kindness' sake, nor he that is
good for his goodness' sake. Rise up then from the earth, thou that art become
wholly above it: look on the light, for the Lord leaveth not them that love him
to walk in darkness: behold him that travelleth with his servants, that he is
unto them a defender in perils. And Mygdonia arose and looked on him and said:
Whither wentest thou, my lord? and who is he that brought thee out of prison to
behold the sun? Judas Thomas saith unto her: My Lord Jesus is mightier than all
powers and all kings and rulers.
120 And Mygdonia said: Give me the seal of Jesus Christ and I shall ( Iet me)
receive the gift at thy hands before thou departest out of life. And she took
him with her and entered into the court and awaked her nurse, saying unto her:
Narcia (Gr. Marcia), my mother and nurse, all thy service and refreshment thou
hast done for me from my childhood until my present age are vain, and for them I
owe thee thanks which are temporal; do for me now also a ravour, that thou
mayest for ever receive a recompense from him that giveth great gifts. And
Narcia in answer saith: What wilt thou, my daughter Mygdonia, and what is to be
done for thy pleasure? for the honours which thou didst promise me before, the
stranger hath not suffered thee to accomplish, and thou hast made me a reproach
among all the nation. And now what is this new thing that thou commandest me?
And Mygdonia saith: Become thou partaker with me in eternal life, that I may
receive of thee perfect nurture: take bread and bring it me, and wine mingled
with water, and spare my freedom (take pity on me a free-born woman, Syr.). And
the nurse said: I will bring thee many loaves, and for water flagons of wine,
and fulfil thy desire. But she saith to the nurse: Flagons I desire not, nor the
many loaves: but this only, bring wine mingled with water and one loaf, and oil
.
121 And when Narcia had brought these things, Mygdonia stood before the apostle
with her head bare; and he took the oil and poured it on her head, saying: Thou
holy oil given unto us for sanctification, sccret mystery whereby the cross was
shown unto us, thou art the straightener of the crooked limbs, thou art the
humbler (softener) of hard things (works), thou art it that showeth the hidden
treasures, thou art the sprout of goodness; let thy power come, let it be
established upon thy servant Mygdonia, and heal thou her by this freedom. And
when the oil was poured upon her he hade her nurse unclothe her and gird a linen
cloth about her; and there was there a fountain of water upon which the apostle
went up, and baptized Mygdonia in the name of the Father and the Son and the
Holy Ghost. And when she was baptized and clad, he brake bread and took a cup of
water and made her a partaker in the body of Christ and the cup of the Son of
God, and said: Thou hast received thy seal, get for thyself eternal life. And
immediately there was heard from above a voice saying: Yea, amen. And when
Narcia heard that voice, she was amazed, and besought the apostle that she also
might receive the seal; and the apostle gave it her and said: Let the care of
the Lord be about thee as about the rest.
122 And having done these things the apostle returned unto the prison, and found
the doors open and the guards still sleeping. And Thomas said: Who is like thee,
O God? who withholdest not thy loving affection and care from any who is like
thee, the merciful, who hast delivered thy creatures out of evil. Life that hath
subdued death, rest that hath ended toil. Glory be to the only-begotten of the
Father. Glory to the compassionate that was sent forth of his heart. And when he
had said thus, the guards waked and beheld all the doors open, and the prisoners
, and said in themselves: Did not we fasten the doors? and how
are they now open, and the prisoners within?
123 But at the dawn Charisius went unto Mygdonia , and found them praying and
saying: O new God that by the stranger hast come hither unto us, hidden God of
the dwellers in India (Syr. who art hidden from); God that hast shown thy glory
by thine apostle Thomas, God whose report we have heard and believed on thee;
God, unto whom we are come to be saved; God, who for love of man and for pity
didst come down unto our littleness; God who didst seek us out when we knew him
(thee) not; God that dwellest in the heights and from whom the depths are not
hid: turn thou away from us the madness of Charisius. And Charisius hearing that
said to Mygdonia: Rightly callest thou me evil and mad and foul I for if I had
not borne with thy disobedience, and given thee liberty, thou wouldest not have
called on God against me and made mention of my name before God. But believe me,
Mygdonia that in that sorcerer there is no profit, and what he promiseth to
perform he cannot: but I will perform before thy sight all that I promise, that
thou mayest believe, and bear with my words and be to me as thou wast
beforetime.
124 And he came near and besought her again, saying: If thou wilt be persuaded
of me, I shall henceforth have no grief; remember that day when thou didst meet
me first; tell the truth: was I more beautiful unto thee at that time, or Jesus
at this? And Mygdonia said: That time required its own, and this time also; that
was the time of the beginning, but this of the end; that was the time of
temporal life, this of eternal; that of pleasure that passeth away, but this of
pleasure that abideth for ever; that, of day and night, this of day without
night. Thou sawest that marriage that was passing, and here, and single but this
marriage continueth for ever; that was a partnership of corruption, but this of
eternal life; those groomsmen (and maids) were men and women of time, but these
abide unto the end. That marriage upon earth setteth up dropping dew of the love
of men (Syr. That union was founded upon the earth where there is an unceasing
press: this is founded upon the bridge of fire upon which is sprinkled grace:
both corrupt); that bride-chamber is taken down again, but this remaineth
always; that bed was strown with coverlets (that grow old), but this with love
and faith. Thou art a bridegroom that passest away and art dissolved (changed),
but Jesus is a true bridegroom, enduring for ever immortal, that dowry was of
money and robes that grow old, but this is of living words which never pass
away.
125 And when Charisius heard these things he went unto the king and told him
all: and the king commanded Judas to be brought, that he might judge him and
destroy him. But Charisius said: Have patience a little, O king, and first
persuade the man making him afraid, that he may persuade Mygdonia to be unto me
as formerly. And Misdaeus sent and fetched the apostle of Christ, and all the
prisoners were grieved because the apostle departed from them, for they yearned
after him, saying: Even the comfort which we had have they taken away from us.
126 And Misdaeus said unto Judas: Wherefore teachest thou this new doctrine,
which both gods and men hate, and which hath nought of profit? And Judas said:
What evil do I teach? And Misdaeus said: Thou teachest, saying that men with the
God whom thou preachest. Judas saith: Thou sayest true, O king: thus do I teach.
For tell me, art thou not wroth with thy soldiers if they wait on thee in filthy
garments? if then thou, being a king of earth and returning unto earth, request
thy subjects to be reverend in their doings, are ye wroth and said ye that I
teach ill when I say that they who serve my king must be reverend and pure and
free from all grief and care of children and unprofitable riches and vain
trouble? For indeed thou wouldest have thy subjects follow thy conversation and
thy manners, and thou punishest them if they despise thy commandments: how much
more must they that believe on him serve my God with much reverence and
cleanness and security, and be quit of all pleasures of the body, adultery and
prodigality and theft and drunkenness and belly-service and foul deeds?
127 And Misdaeus hearing these things said: Lo, I let thee go: go then and
persuade Mygdonia, the wife of Charisius, not to desire to depart from him.
Judas saith unto him: Delay not if thou hast aught to do: for her, if she hath
rightly received what she hath learned, neither iron nor fire nor aught else
stronger than these will avail to hurt or to root out him that is held in her
soul. Misdaeus saith unto Judas: Some poisons do dissolve other poisons, and a
theriac cureth the bites of the viper; and thou if thou wilt canst give a
solvent of those diseases, and make peace and concord betwixt this couple: for
by so doing thou wilt spare thyself, for not yet art thou sated with life; and
know thou that if thou do not persuade her, I will catch thee away out of this
life which is desirable unto all men. And Judas said: This life hath been given
as a loan, and this time is one that changeth, but that life whereof I teach is
incorruptible; and beauty and youth that are seen shall in a little cease to be.
The king saith to him: I have counselled thee for the best, but thou knowest
thine own alfairs.
128 And as the apostle went forth from before the king, Charisius came to him
and entreated him and said: I beseech thee, O man: I have not sinned against
thee or any other at any time, nor against the gods; wherefore hast thou stirred
up this great calamity against me? and for what cause hast thou brought such
disturbance upon mine house? and what profit hast thou of it? but if thou
thinkest to gain somewhat, tell me the gain, what it is, and I will procure it
for thee without labour. To what end dost thou make me mad, and cast thyself
into destruction? for if thou persuade her not, I will both dispatch thee and
finally take myself out of life. But if, as thou sayest, after our departing
hence there is there life and death, and also condemnation and victory and a
place of judgement, then will I also go in thither to be judged with thee: and
if that God whom thou preachest is just and awardeth punishment justly, I know
that I shall gain my cause against thee; for thou hast injured me, having
suffered no wrong at my hands: for indeed even here I am able to avenge myself
on thee and bring upon thee all that thou hast done unto me. Therefore be thou
persuaded, and come home with me and persuade Mygdonia to be with me as she was
at first, before she beheld thee. And Judas saith to him: Believe me, my child
that if men loved God as much as they love one another, they would ask of him
all things and receive them, and none would do them violence (there would be
nothing which would not obey them, Syr.).
129 And as Thomas said this, they came unto the house of Charisius and found
Mygdonia sitting and Narcia standing by her, and her hand supporting her cheek;
and she was saying: Let the remainder of the days of my life, O mother, be cut
off from me, and all the hours become as one hour, and let me depart out of life
that I may go the sooner and behold that beautiful one, whose report I have
heard, even that living one and giver of life unto them that believe on him,
where is not day and night, nor light and darkness, nor good and evil, nor poor
and rich, nor male and female, nor free and bond, nor proud that subjecteth the
humble. And as she spake the apostle stood by her, and forthwith she rose up and
did him reverence. Then Charisius said unto him: Seest thou how she feareth and
honoureth thee and all that thou shalt bid her she will do willingly?
13O And as he so spake, Judas saith unto Mygdonia: My daughter Mygdonia, obey
that which thy brother Charisius saith. And Mygdonia saith: If thou wast not
able the deed in word wilt thou compel me to endure the act? for I have heard of
thee that this life is of no profit, and this relief is for a time, and these
possessions are transitory. And again thou saidst that whoso renounceth this
life shall receive the life eternal, and whoso hateth the light of day and night
shall behold a light that is not overtaken, that whoso despiseth this money
shall find other and eternal money. But now because thou art in fear. Who that
hath done somewhat and is praised for the work changeth it? straightway
overthroweth it from the foundation? who diggeth a spring water in a thirsty
land and straightway filleth it in? who findeth a treasure and useth it not? And
Charisius heard lt and said: I will not imitate you, neither will I hasten to
destroy you; nor though I may so do, will I put bonds about thee (but thee I
will bind, Syr.); and I will not suffer thee to speak with this sorcerer; and if
thou obey me, well, but if not, I know what I must do.
131 And Judas went out of Charisius' house and departed unto the house of Siphor
and lodged there with him. And Siphor said: I will prepare for Judas a hall
(triclinium) wherein he may teach (Syr. Siphor said to Judas: Prepare thyself an
apartment, &c.). And he did so; and Siphor said : I and my wife and daughter
will dwell henceforth in holiness, and in chastity, and in one affection. I
beseech thee that we mav receive of thee the seal, and become worshippers of the
true God and numbered among his sheep and lambs. And Judas said: I am afraid to
speak that which I think: yet I know somewhat, and what I know it is not
possible for me to utter.
132 And he began to say concerning baptism: This baptism is remission of sins
(the Greek MSS. U and P have divergent texts, both obscure): this bringeth forth
again light that is shed about us: this bringeth to new birth the new man (this
is the restorer of understandings Syr.): this mingleth the spirit (with the
body), raiseth up in threefoldwise a new man and partaker of the remission of
sins. Glory be to thee, hidden one, that art communicated in baptism. Glory to
thee the unseen power that is in baptism. Glory to thee, renewal, whereby are
renewed they that are baptized and with affection take hold upon thee.
And having thus said, he poured oil over their heads and said: Glory be to thee
the love of compassion (bowels). Glory to thee name of Christ. Glory to thee,
power established in Christ. And he commanded a vessel to be brought, and
baptized them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost.
133 And when they were baptized and clad, he set bread on the table and blessed
it, and said: Bread of life, the which who eat abide incorruptible: Bread that
filleth the hungry souls with the blessing thereof: thou art he that vouchsafest
to receive a gift, that thou mayest become unto us remission of sins, and that
they who eat thee may become immortal: we invoke upon thee the name of the
mother, of the unspeakable mystery of the hidden powers and authorities (? we
name the name of the unspeakable mystery, that is hidden from all &c.): we
invoke upon thee the name of [thy?] Jesus. And he said: Let the powers of
blessing come, and be established in this bread, that all the souls which
partake of it may be washed from their sins. And he brake and gave unto Siphor
and his wife and daughter.
The Eleventh Act: concerning the wife of Misdaeus.
134 Now Misdaeus the king, when he had let Judas go, dined and went home, and
told his wife what had befallen Charisius their kinsman, saying: See what hath
come to pass to that unhappy man, and thou thyself knowest, my sister Tertia,
that a man hath nought better than his own wife on whom he resteth; but it
chanced that his wife went unto that sorcerer of whom thou hast heard that he is
come to the land of the Indians, and fell into his charms and is parted from her
own husband; and he knoweth not what he should do. And when I would have
destroyed the malefactor, he would not have it. But do thou go and counsel her
to incline unto her husband, and forsake the vain words of the sorcerer.
135 And as soon as she arose Tertia went to the house of Charisius her husband's
, and found Mygdonia Iying upon the earth in humiliation, and ashes and
sackcloth were spread under her, and she was praying that the Lord would forgive
her her former sins and she might soon depart out of life. And Tertia said unto
her: Mygdonia, my dear sister and companion what is this hand (Syr. this folly)?
what is the disease that hath overtaken thee? and why doest thou the deeds of
madmen? Know thyself and come back unto thine own way, come near unto thy many
kinsfolk, and spare thy true husband Charisius, and do not things unbefitting a
free-woman. Mygdonia saith unto her: O Tertia, thou hast not yet heard the
preacher of life: not yet hath he touched thine ears, not yet hast thou tasted
the medicine of life nor art freed from corruptible mourning. Thou standest in
the life of time, and the everlasting life and salvation thou knowest not, and
perceivest not the incorruptible fellowship. Thou standest clad in robes that
grow old and desirest not those that are eternal, and art proud of this beauty
which vanisheth and hast no thought of the holiness of thy soul; and art rich in
a multitude of servants, (and hast not freed thine own soul from servitude,
Syr.) and pridest thyself in the glory that cometh of many, but redeemest not
thyself from the condemnation of death.
136 And when Tertia heard this of Mygdonia she said: I pray thee, sister, bring
me unto that stranger that teacheth these great things, that I also may go and
hear him, and be taught to worship the God whom he preacheth, and become
partaker of his prayers, and a sharer in all that thou hast told me of. And
Mygdonia saith to her: He is in the house of Siphor the captain; for he is
become the occasion of life unto all them that are being saved in India. And
hearing that, Tertia went quickly to Siphor's house, that she might see the new
apostle that was come thither. And when she entered in, Judas said unto her:
What art thou come to see? a man that is a stranger and poor and contemptible
and needy, having neither riches nor substance; yet one thing I possess which
neither kings nor rulers can take away, that neither perisheth nor ceaseth,
which is Jesus the Saviour of all mankind, the Son of the living God, who hath
given life unto all that believe on him and take refuge with him and are known
to be of the number of his servants (sheep, Syr.). Unto whom saith Tertia: May I
become a partaker of this life which thou promisest that all they shall receive
who come together unto the assembly of God. And the apostle said: The treasury
of the holy king is opened wide, and they which worthily partake of the good
things that are therein do rest, and resting do reign: but first, no man cometh
unto him that is unclean and vile: for he knoweth our inmost hearts and the
depths of our thought, and it is not possible for any to escape him. Thou, then,
if verily thou believest in him, shalt be made worthy of his mysteries; and he
will magnify thee and enrich thee, and make thee to be an heir of his hingdom.
137 And Tertia having heard this returned home rejoicing, and found her husband
awaiting her, not having dined, and when Misdaeus saw her he said: Whence is it
that thine entering in to-day is more beautiful? and wherefore art thou come
walking, which beseemeth not free-born women like thee? And Tertia saith unto
him: I owe thee the greatest of thanks for that thou didst send me unto
Mygdonia, for I went and heard of a new life, and I saw the new apostle of the
God that giveth life unto them that believe on him and fulfil his commandments;
I ought therefore myself to recompense thee for this favour and admonition with
good advice; for thou shalt be a great king in heaven if thou obey me and fear
the God that is preached by the strangrer, and keep thyself holy unto the living
God. For this kingdom passeth away, and thy comfort will be turned into
affliction: but go thou to that man, and believe him, and thou shalt live unto
the end. And when Misdaeus heard these things of his wife, he smote his face
with his hands and rent his clothes and said: May the soul of Charisius find no
rest, for he hath hurt me to the soul; and may he have no hope, for he hath
taken away my hope. And he went out greatly vexed.
138 And he found Charisius his friend in the market-place, and said unto him:
Why hast thou cast me into hell to be another companion to thyself? why hast
thou emptied and defrauded me to gain nought? why hast thou hurt me and profited
thyself not at all? why hast thou slain me and thyself not lived? Why hast thou
wronged me and thyself not got justice? why didst thou not suffer me to destroy
that sorcerer before he corrupted my house with his wickedness? And he kept hold
upon (was upbraiding, Syr.) Charisius. And Charisius saith: Why, what hath
befallen thee? Misdaeus said: He hath bewitched Tertia. And they went both of
them unto the house of Siphor the captain, and found Judas sitting and teaching.
And all they that were there rose up before the king, but he arose not. And
Misdaeus perceived that it was he, and took hold of the seat and overset it, and
took up the seat with both his hands and smote his head so that he wounded it,
and delivered him to his soldiers, saying: Take him away, and hale him with
violence and not gently, that his shame may be manifest unto all men. And they
haled him and took him to the place where Misdaeus judged, and he stood there,
held of the soldiers of Misdaeus.
The Twelfth Act: concerning Ouazanes (Iuzanes) the son of Misdaeus.
139 And Ouazanes (Iuzanes, P; Vizan, Syr.) the son of Misdaeus came unto the
soldiers and said: Give me him that I may speak with him until the king cometh.
And they gave him up, and he brought him in where the king gave judgement. And
Iuzanes saith: Knowest thou not that I am the son of Misdaeus the king, and I
have power to say unto the king what I will, and he will sufier thee to live?
tell me then, who is thy God, and what power dost thou claim and glory in it?
for if it be some power or art of magic, tell it me and teach me, and I will let
thee go. Judas saith unto him: Thou art the son of Misdacus the king who is king
for a time, but I am the servant of Jesus Christ the eternal king, and thou hast
power to say to thy father to save whom thou wilt in the temporal life wherein
men continue not, which thou and thy father grant, but I beseech my Lord and
intercede for men, and he giveth them a new life which is altogether enduring.
And thou boastest thyself of possessions and servants and robes and luxury and
unclean chamberings, but I boast myself of povertv and philosophy and humility
and lasting and prayer and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost and of my brethren
that are worthy of God: and I boast myself of eternal life. And thou reliest on
(hast taken refuge with) a man like unto thyself and not able to save his own
soul from judgement and death, but I rely upon the living God, upon the saviour
of kings and princes, who is the judge of all men. And ye indeed to-day
perchance are, and to-morrow are no more, but I have taken refuge with him that
abideth for ever and knoweth all our seasons and times. And if thou wilt become
the servant of this God thou shalt soon do so; but show that thou wilt be a
servant worthy of him hereby: first by holiness (puritv), which is the head of
all good things, and then by fellowship with this God whom I preach, and
philosophy and simplicity and love and faith and in him, and unity of pure food
(simplicity of pure i e, Syr.).
140 And the young man was persuaded by the Lord and sought occasion how he might
let Judas escape: but while he thought thereon, the king came, and the soldiers
took Judas and led him forth. And Iuzanes went forth with him and stood beside
him. And when the king was set he bade Judas be brought in, with his hands bound
behind him; and he was brought into the midst and stood there. And the king
saith: Tell me who thou art and by what power thou doest these things. And Judas
saith to him: I am a man like thee, and by the power of Jesus Christ I do these
things. And Misdaeus saith: Tell me the truth before I destroy thee. And Judas
saith: Thou hast no power against me, as thou supposest, and thou wilt not hurt
me at all. And the king was wroth at his words, and commanded to heat iron
plates and set him upon them barefoot; and as the soldiers took off his shoes he
said: The wisdom of God is better than the wisdom of men. Thou Lord and King (do
thou take counsel against them, Syr.) and let thy goodness resist his wrath. And
they brought the plates which were like fire, and set the apostle upon them, and
straightway water sprang up abundantly from the earth, so that the plates were
swallowed up in it, and they that held him let him go and withdrew themselves.
141 And the king seeing the abundance of water said to Judas: Ask thy God that
he deliver me from this death, that I perish not in the flood. And the apostle
prayed and said: Thou that didst bind this element (nature) and gather it into
one place and send it forth into divers lands; that didst bring disorder into
order, that grantest mighty works and great wonders by the hands of Judas thy
servant; that hast mercy on my soul, that I may alway receive thy brightness;
that givest wages unto them that have laboured; thou saviour of my soul,
restoring it unto its own nature that it may have no fellowship with hurtful
things; that hast alway been the occasion of life: do thou restrain this element
that it lift not up itself to destroy; for there are some of them that stand
here who shall believe on thee and live. And when he had prayed, the water was
swallowed up by little and little, and the place became dry. And when Misdaeus
saw it he commanded him to be taken to the prison: Until I shall consider how he
must be used.
142 And as Judas was led away to the prison they all followed him, and Iuzanes
the king's son walked at his right hand, and Siphor at the left. And he entered
into the prison and sat down, and Iuzanes and Siphor, and he persuaded his wife
and his daughter to sit down, for they also were come in to hear the word ot
life. For they knew that Misdaeus would slay him because of the excess of his
anger. And Judas began to say: O liberator of my soul from the bondage of the
many, because I gave myself to be sold ; behold, I rejoice and exult, knowing
that the times are fulfilled for me to enter in and receive . Lo, I am to be set
free from the cares that are on the earth; lo, I fulfil mine hope and reccive
truth; lo, I am set free from sorrow and put on joy alone; lo, I become careless
and griefless and dwell in rest; lo, I am set free from bondage and am called
unto liberty; lo, I have served times and seasons, and I am lifted up above
times and seasons; lo, I receive my wages from my recompenser, who giveth
without reckoning (number) because his wealth sufficeth for the gift; and I
shall not put it on again; lo, I sleep and awake, and I shall no more go to
sleep; lo, I die and live again, and I shall no more taste of death; lo, they
rejoice and expect me, that I may come and be with their kindred and be set as a
flower in their crown; Io, I reign in the kingdom whereon I set my hope, even
frorm hence; lo, the rebellious fall before me, for I have escaped them; lo,
(unto me) the peace hath come, whereunto all are gathered.
143 And as the apostle spake thus, all that were there hearkened, supposing that
in that hour he would depart out of life. And again he said: Believe on the
physician of all , both seen and unseen, and on the saviour of the souls that
need help from him. This is the free-born of kings, this the physician of his
creatures; this is he that was reproached of his own slaves; this is the Father
of the height and the Lord of nature and the Judge (? Father of nature and Lord
of the height and supreme Judge, Syr.): he came of the greatest, the
only-begotten son of the deep; and he was called the son of (became visible
through, Syr.) Mary the virgin, and was termed the son of Joseph the carpenter:
he whose littleness (we beheld) with the eyes of our body, but his greatness we
received by faith, and saw it in his works whose human body we felt also with
our hands, and his aspect we saw transfigured (changed) with our eyes, but his
heavenly semblance on the mount we were not able to see: he that made the rulers
stumble and did violence unto death: he, the truth that lieth not, that at the
last paid the tribute for himself and his disciplcs: whom the prince beholding
feared and the powers that were with him were troubled; and the prince bare
witness (asked him, Syr.) who he was and from whence, and knew not the truth,
because he is alien from truth: he that having authority over the world, and the
pleasures therein, and the possessions and the comfort, all these things and
turneth away his subjects, that they should not use them.
144 Alld having fulfilled these sayings, he arose and prayed thus: our Father,
which art in heaven: hallowed be thy name: Thy kingdom come: Thy will be done,
as in heaven so upon earth: and forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven
our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
My Lord and God, hope and confidence and teacher, thou hast taught me to pray
thus, behold, I pray this prayer and fulfil thy commandment: be thou with me
unto the end; thou art he that from childhood hast sown life in me and kept me
from corruption; thou art he that hast brought me unto the poverty of this
world, and exhorted me unto the true riches; thou art he that hast made me known
unto myself and showed me that I am thine; and I have kept myself pure from
woman, that that which thou requirest be not found in defilement.
[At the words 'My Lord and God' begins the double text, represented on the one
hand by the MS. U and on the other by the Paris MS. P, and three (partly four)
others. These insert the prayer after ch. 167. Their text, I believe, may be the
original Greek. I follow it here, repeating the first paragraph.]
(144) My Lord and God, my hope and my confidence and my teacher, that hast
implanted courage in me, thou didst teach me to pray thus; behold, I pray thy
prayer and bring thy will to fulfilment: be thou with me unto the end. Thou art
he that from my youth up didst give me patience in temptation and me life and
preserve me from corruption; thou art he that didst bring me into the poverty of
this world and fill me with the true riches; thou art he that didst show me that
I was thine: wherefore I was never joined unto a wife, that the temple worthy of
thee might not be found in pollution.
145 My mouth sufficeth not to praise thee, neither am I able to conceive the
care and providence (carefulness) which hath been about me from thee which thou
hast had for me). For I desired to gain riches, but thou by a vision didst show
me that they are full of loss and iniury to them that gain them and I believed
thy showing, and continued in the poverty of the world until thou, the true
riches wert revealed unto me, who didst fill both me and the rest that were
worthy of thee with thine own riches and set free thine own from care and
anxiety. I have therefore fulfilled thy commandments, O Lord, and accomplished
thy will, and become poor and needy and a stranger and a bondman and set at
nought and a prisoner and hungry and thirsty and nalied and unshod, and I have
toiled for thy sake, that my confidence might not perish and my hope that is in
thee might not be confounded and my much labour might not be in vain and my
weariness not be counted for nought: let not my prayers and rmy continual
fastings perish, and my great zeal toward thee; let not my seed of wheat be
changed for tares out of thy land, Iet not the enemy carry it away and mingle
his own tares therewith; for thy land verily receiveth not his tares, neither
indeed can they be laid up in thine houses.
146 I have planted thy vine in the earth, it hath sent down its roots into the
depth and its growth is spread out in the height, and the fruits of it are
stretched forth upon the earth, and they that are worthy of thee are made glad
by them, whom also thou hast gained. The money which thou hast from me I laid
down upon the table (bank); this, when thou requirest it, restore unto me with
usury, as thou hast promised. With thy one mind have I traded and have made ten,
thou hast added rnore to me beside that I had, as thou didst covenant. I have
forgiven my debtor the mine, require thou it not at my hands. I was bidden to
the supper and I came: and I refused the land and the yoke of oxen and the wife,
that I might not for their sake be rejected; I was bidden to the wedding, and I
put on white raiment, that I might be worthy of it and not be bound hand and
foot and cast into the outer darkness. My lamp with its bright light expecteth
the master coming from the marriage, that it may receive him, and I may not (?
he may not) see it dimmed because the oil is spent. Mine eyes, O Christ, look
upon thee, and mine heart exulteth with joy because I have fulfilled thy will
and perfected thy commandments; that I may be likened unto that watchful and
careful servant who in his eagerness neglecteth not to keep vigil (other MSS.: I
have not slumbered idly in keeping thy commandments: in the first sleep and at
midnight and at cockcrow, that mine eyes may behold thee, &c.). All the night
have I laboured to keep mine house from robbers, lest it be broken through.
147 My loins have I girt close with truth and bound my shoes on my feet, that I
may never see them gaping: mine hands have I put unto the yoked plough and have
not turned away backward, lest my furrows go crooked. The plough-land is become
white and the harvest is come, that I may receive my wages. My garment that
groweth old I have worn out, and the labour that hath brought me unto rest have
I accomplished. I have kept the first watch and the second and the third, that I
may behold thy face and adore thine holy brightness. I have rooted out the worst
(pulled down my barns, Syr.) and left thern desolate upon earth, that I may be
filled full from thy treasures (Gr. MSS. add: all my substance have I sold, that
I may gain thee the pearl). The moist spring that was in me have I dried up,
that I may live and rest beside thine inexhaustible spring (al. and Syr.: rest
beside thy living spring). The captive whom thou didst commit to me I have
slain, that he which is set free in me may not fall from his confidence. Him
that was inward have I made outward and the outward , and all thy fullness hath
been fulfilled in me. I have not returned unto the things that are behind, but
have gone forward unto the things that are before, that I become not a reproach.
The dead man have I quickened, and the living one have I overcome, and that
which was lacking have I filled up (Syr. Wright, not the older one, inserts
negatives, ' not quickened ', &c.), that I may receive the crown of victory, and
the power of Christ may be accomplished in me. I have received reproach upon
earth, but give thou me the return and the recompense in the heavens. (U omits
practically all this chapter.)
148 Let not the powers and the officers perceive me, and let them not have any
thought concerning me; let not the publicans and exactors ply their calling upon
me; let not the weak and the evil cry out against me that am valiant and humble,
and when I am borne upward let them not rise up to stand before me, by thy
power, O Jesu, which surroundeth me as a crown: for they do flee and hide
themselves, they cannot look on thee: but (for) suddenly do they fall upon them
that are subject to them, and the portion of tile sons of the evil one doth
itself cry out and convict them; and it is not hid from them, nor their nature
is made known: the children of the evil one are separated off. Do thou then
grant me, Lord, that I may pass by in quietness and joy and peace, and pass over
and stand before the judge, and let not the devil (or slanderer) look upon me;
let his eyes be blinded by thy light which thou hast made to dwell in me, close
thou up (muzzle) his mouth: for he hath found nought against me.
[We revert to U.]
149 And he said again unto them that were about him: believe in the Saviour of
them that have laboured in his service: for my soul already flourisheth because
my time is near to receive him; for he being beautiful draweth me on always to
speak concerning his beauty, what it is though I be not able and suffice not to
speak it worthily: thou that art the light (feeder, Syr.) of my poverty and the
supplier of my defects and nurturer of my need: be thou with me until I come and
receive thee for evermore.
The Thirteenth Act: wherein Iuzanes receiveth baptism with the rest.
150 And Iuzanes the youth besought the apostle, saying: I pray thee, O man,
apostle of God, suffer me to go, and I will persuade the gaoler to permit thee
to come home with me, that by thee I may receive the seal, and become thy
minister and a keeper of the commandments of the God whom thou preachest. For
indeed, formerly I walked in those things which thou teachest, until my father
compelled me and joined me unto a wife by name Mnesara; for I am in my
one-and-twentieth year, and have now been seven years married, and before I was
joined in marriage I knew no other woman, wherefore also I was accounted useless
of my father, nor have I ever had son or daughter of this wife and also my wife
herself hath lived with me in chastity all this time, and to-day, if she had
been in health, and had listened to thee, I know well that both I should have
been at rest and she would have received eternal life; but she is in peril and
afflicted with much illness; I will therefore persuade the keeper that he
promise to come with me, for I live by myself: and thou shalt also heal that
unhappy one. And Judas the apostle of the Most High, hearing this, said to
Iuzanes: If thou believest, thou shalt see the marvels of God, and how he saveth
his servants.
151 And as they spake thus together, Tertia and Mvgdonia and Narcia stood at the
door of the prison, and they gave the gaoler 363 staters of silver and entered
in to Judas; and found Iuzanes and Siphor and his wife and daughter, and all the
prisoners sitting and hearing the word. And when they stood by him he said to
them: Who hath suffered you to come unto us? and who opened unto you the sealed
door that ye came forth? Tertia saith unto him: Didst not thou open the door for
us and tell us to come into the prison that we might take our brethren that were
there, and then should the Lord show forth his glory in us? And when we came
near the door, I know not how, thou wast parted from us and hid thyself and
camest hither before us where also we heard the noise of the door, when thou
didst shut us out. We gave money therefore to the keepers and came in and lo, we
are here praying thee that we may persuade thee and let thee escape until the
king's wrath against thee shall cease. Unto whom Judas said: Tell us first of
all how ye were shut up.
152 And she saith to him: Thou wast with us, and didst never leave us for one
hour, and askest thou how we were shut up? but if thou desirest to hear, hear.
The king Misdaeus sent for me and said unto me: Not yet hath that sorcercr
prevailed over thee, for, as I hear, he bewitcheth men with oil and water and
bread, and hath not yet bewitched thee; but obey thou me, for if not, I will
imprison thee and wear thee out, and him I will destroy; for I know that if he
hath not yet given thee oil and water and bread, he hath not prevailed to get
power over thee. And I said unto him: Over my body thou hast authority, and do
thou all that thou wilt; but my soul I will not let perish with thee. And
hearing that he shut me up in a chamber (beneath his dining-hall, Syr.): and
Charisius brought Mygdonia and shut her up with me: and thou broughtest us out
and didst bring us even hither; but give thou us the seal quickly, that the hope
of Misdacus who counselleth thus may be cut off.
153 And when the apostle heard this, he said: Glory be to thee, O Jesu of many
forms, glory to thee that appearest in the guise of our poor manhood: glory to
thee that encouragest us and makest us strong and givest grace and consolest and
standest by us in all perils, and strengthenest our weakness. And as he thus
spake, the gaoler came and said: Put out the lamps, lest any accuse you unto the
king. And then they extinguished the lamps, and turned to sleep; but the apostle
spake unto the Lord: It is the time now, O Jesu, for thee to make haste; for, lo
the children of darkness sit (make us to sit, Syr.) in their own darkness, do
thou therefore enlighten us with the light of thy nature. And on a sudden the
whole prison was light as the day: and while all they that were in the prison
slept a deep sleep, they only that had believed in the Lord continued waking.
154 Judas therefore saith to Iuzanes: Go thou before and make ready the things
for our need. Iuzanes thererore saith: And who will open me the doors of the
prison? for the gaolers shut them and are gone to sleep. And Judas saith:
Believe in Jesus, and thou shalt find the doors open. And when he went forth and
departed from them, all the rest followed after him. And as Iuzanes was gone on
before, Mnesara his wife met him coming unto the prison. And she knew him and
said: My brother Iuzanes, is it thou? and he saith, Yea, and art thou Mnesara?
and she saith Yea. Iuzanes said unto her; Whither walkest thou, especialiy at so
untimely an hour? and how wast thou able to rise up? And she said: This youth
laid his hand on me and raised me up, and in a dream I say that I should go
where the stranger sitteth, and become perfectly whole. Iuzanes saith to her:
What youth is with thee? And she said: Seest thou not him that is on my right
hand, leading me by the hand?
155 And while they spake together thus, Judas, with Siphor and his wife and
daughter and Tertia and Mygdonia and Narcia came unto Iuzanes' house. And
Mnesara the wife of Iuzanes seeing him did reverence and said: Art thou come
that savedst us from the sore disease? thou art he whom I saw in the night
delivering unto me this youth to bring me to the prison. But thy goodness
suffered me not to grow weary, but thou thyself art come unto me. And so saying
she turned about and saw the youth no more; and finding him not, she saith to
the apostle: I am not able to walk alone: for the youth whom thou gavest me is
not here. And Judas said: Jesus will henceforth lead thee. And thereafter she
came running unto him. And when they entered into the house of Iuzanes the son
of Misdaeus the king though it was yet night, a great light shined and was shed
about them.
156 And then Judas began to pray and to speak thus: O companion and defender
(ally) and hope of the weak and confidence of the poor: refuge and lodging of
the weary: voice that came forth of the height (sleep, Gr.): comforter dwelling
in the midst: port and harbour of them that pass through the regions of the
rulers: physician that healest without payment: who among men wast crucified for
many: who didst go down into hell with great might: the sight of whom the
princes of death endured not; and thou camest up with great glory, and gathering
all them that fled unto thee didst prepare a way, and in thy footsteps all they
journeyed whom thou didst redeem; and thou broughtest them into thine own fold
and didst join them with thy sheep: son of mercy, the son that for love of man
wast sent unto us from the perfect country (fatherland) that is above, the Lord
of all possessions (undefiled possessions, Syr.): that servest thy servants that
they may live: that fillest creation with thine own riches: the poor, that wast
in need and didst hunger forty days: that satisfiest thirsty souls with thine
own good things; be thou with Iuzanes the son of Misdaeus and with Tertia and
Mnesara, and gather them into thy fold and mingle them with thy number; Be unto
them a guide in the land of error: be unto them a physician in the land of
sickness: be unto them a rest in the land of the weary: sanctify them in a
polluted land: be their physician both of bodies and souls: make them holy
temples of thee, and let thine holy spirit dwell in them.
157 Having thus prayed over them, the apostle said unto Mygdonia: Unclothe thy
sisters. And she took off their clothes and girded them with girdles and brought
them: but Iuzanes had first gone before, and they came after him; and the
apostle took oil in a cup of silver and spake thus over it: Fruit more
beautifull than all other fruits, unto which none other whatsoever may be
compared: altogether merciful: fervent with the force of the word: power of the
tree which men putting upon them overcome their adversaries: crowner of the
conquerors: help (symbol) and joy of the sick: that didst announce unto men
their salvation that showest light to them that are in darkness; whose leaf is
bitter, but in thy most sweet fruit thou art fair, that art rough to the sight
but soft to the taste; seeming to be weak, but in the greatness of thy strength
able to bear the power that beholdeth all things. Having thus said [a corrupt
word follows]: Jesu: let his victorious might come and be established in this
oil, like as it was established in the tree (wood) that was its kin, even his
might at that time, whereof they that crucified thee could not endure the word:
let the gift also come whereby breathing upon his (thine) enemies thou didst
cause them to go backward and fall headlong and let it rest on this oil,
whereupon we invoke thine holy name. And having thus said, he poured it first
upon the head ol Iuzanes and then upon the women's heads, saying: In thy name, O
Jesu Christ, let it be unto these souls for remission of sins and for turning
back of the adversary and for salvation of their souls. And he commanded
Mygdonia to anoint them but he himself anointed Iuzanes. And having anointed
them he led them down into the water in the name of the Father and the Son and
the Holy Ghost.
158 And when they were come up, he took bread and a cup, and blessed it and
said: Thine holy body w}lich was crucified for us do we eat, and thy blood that
was shed for us unto salvation do we drink; let therefore thy body be unto us
salvation and thy blood for remission of sins. And for the gall which thou didst
drink for our sakes let the gall of the devil be removed from us: and for the
vinegar which thou hast drunk for us, let our weakness be made strong: and for
the spitting which thou didst receive for us, let us receive the dew of thy
goodness: and by (or for) the reed wherewith they smote thee for us, let us
receive the perfect house: and whereas thou receivedst a crown of thorns for our
sake, let us that have loved thee put on a crown that fadeth not away; and for
the linen cloth wherein thou wast Wrapped, let us also be girt about with thy
power that is not vanquished and for the new tomb and the burial let us receive
renewing of soul and body: and for that thou didst rise up and revive, let us
revive and live and stand before thee in righteous judgement. And he brake and
gave the eucharist unto Iuzanes and Tertia and Mnesara and the wife and daughter
of Siphor and said: Let this eucharist be unto you for salvation and joy and
health of your souls. And they said: Amen. And a voice was heard, saying: Amen:
fear ye not, but only believe.
[THE MARTYRDOM]
Here we revert to the text of P and its companions.
159 And after these things Judas departed to be imprisoned.
And Tertia with Mygdonia and Narcia also went to be imprisoned. And the apostle
Thomas said unto them -the multitude of them that had believed being present:
Daughters and sisters and fellow-servants which have believed in my Lord and
God, ministers of my Jesus, hearken to me this day: for I do deliver my word
unto you, and I shall no more speak with you in this flesh nor in this world;
for I go up unto my Lord and God Jesus Christ, unto him that sold me, unto that
Lord that humbled himself even unto me the little, and brought me up unto
eternal greatness, that vouchsafed to me to become his servant in truth and
steadfastness: unto him do I depart, knowing that the time is fulfilled, and the
day appointed hath drawn near for me to go and receive my recompense from my
Lord and God: for my recompenser is righteous, who knoweth me, how I ought to
receive my reward; for he is not grudging nor envious, but is rich in his gifts,
he is not a lover of craft (OT sparing) in that he giveth, for he hath
confidence in his possessions which cannot fail.
160 I am not Jesus, but I am his servant: I am not Christ, but I am his
minister; I am not the Son of God, but I pray to become worthy of God. Continue
ye in the faith of Christ: continue in the hope of the Son of God: faint not at
affliction, neither be divided in mind if ye see me mocked or that I am shut up
in prison ; for I do accomplish his will. For if I had willed not to die, I know
in Christ that I am able thereto: but this which is called death, is not death,
but a setting free from the body; wherefore I receive gladly this setting free
from the body, that I may depart and see him that is beautiful and full of
mercy, him that is to be loved: for I have endured much toil in his service, and
have laboured for his grace that is come upon me, which departeth not from me.
Let not Satan, then, enter you by stealth and catch away your thoughts: let
there be in you no place for him: for he is mighty whom ye have received. Look
for the coming of Christ, for he shall come and receive you, and this is he whom
ye shall see when he cometh.
161 When the apostle had ended these sayings, they went into the house, and the
apostle Thomas said: Saviour that didst suffer many things for us, let these
doors be as they were and let seals be set on them. And he left them and went to
be imprisoned: and they wept and were in heaviness, for they knew that Misdaeus
would slay him (not knowing that, M. would release him, P.).
162 And the apostle found the keepers wrangling and saying: Wherein have we
sinned against this wizard? for by his art magic he hath opened the doors and
would have had all the prisoners escape: but let us go and report it unto the
king, and tell him concerning his wife and his son. And as they disputed thus,
Thomas held his peace. They rose up early, therefore, and went unto the king and
said unto him: Our lord and king, do thou take away that sorcerer and cause him
to be shut up elsewhere, for we are not able to keep him; for except thy good
fortune had kept the prison, all the condemned persons would have escaped for
now this second time have we found the doors open: and also thy wife, O king,
and thy son and the rest depart not from him. And the king, hearing that, went,
and found the seals that were set on the doors whole; and he took note of the
doors also, and said to the keepers: Wherefore lie ye? for the seals are whole.
How said ye that Tertia and Mygdonia come unto him into the prison? And the
keepers said: We have told thee the truth.
163 And Misdaeus went to the prison and took his seat, and sent for the apostle
Thomas and stripped him (and girded him with a girdle) and set him before him
and saith unto him: Art thou bond or free? Thomas said: I am the bondsman of one
only, over whom thou hast no authority. And Misdaeus saith to him: How didst
thou run away and come into this country? And Thomas said: I was sold hither by
my master, that I might save many, and by thy hands depart out of this world.
And Misdaeus said: Who is thy lord? and what is his name? and of what country is
he? And Thomas said: My Lord is thy master and he is Lord of heaven and earth.
And Misdaeus saith: What is his name? Thomas saith: Thou canst not hear his true
name at this time: but the name that was given unto him is Jesus Christ. And
Misdaeus saith unto him: I have not made haste to destroy thee, but have had
long patience with thee: but thou hast added unto thine evil deeds, and thy
sorceries are dispersed abroad and heard of throughout all the country: but this
I do that thy sorceries may depart with thee, and our land be cleansed from
them. Thomas saith unto him; These sorceries depart with me when I set forth
hence, and know thou this that I shall never forsake them that are here.
164 When the apostle had said these things, Misdaeus considered how he should
put him to death; for he was afraid because of the much people that were subject
unto him, for many also of the nobles and of them that were in authority
believed on him. He took him therefore and went forth out of the city; and armed
soldiers also went with him. And the people supposed that the king desired to
learn somewhat of him, and they stood still and gave heed. And when they had
walked one mile, he delivered him unto four soldiers and an offlcer, and
commanded them to take him into the mountain and there pierce him with spears
and put an end to him, and return again to the city. And saying thus unto the
soldiers, he himself also returned unto the city.
165 But the men ran after Thomas, desiring to deliver him from death. And two
soldiers went at the right hand of the apostle and two on his left, holding
spears, and the officer held his hand and supported him. And the apostle Thomas
said: O the hidden mysteries which even until our departure are accomplished in
us! O riches of his glory, who will not suffer us to be swallowed up in this
passion of the body! Four are they that cast me down, for of four am I made; and
one is he that draweth me, for of one I am, and unto him I go. And this I now
understand, that my Lord and God Jesus Christ being of one was pierced by one,
but I, which am of four, am pierced by four.
166 And being come up into the mountain unto the place where he was to be slain,
he said unto them that held him, and to the rest: Brethren, hearken unto me now
at the last; for I am come to my departure out of the body. Let not then the
eyes of your heart be blinded, nor your ears be made deaf. Believe on the God
whom I preach, and be not guides unto yourselves in the hardness of your heart,
but walk in all your liberty, and in the glory that is toward men, and the life
that is toward God.
167 And he said unto Iuzanes: Thou son (to the son, P) of the (earthly) king
Misdaeus and minister (to the minister) of our Lord Jesus Christ: give unto the
servants of Misdaeus their price that they may suffer me to go and pray. And
Iuzanes persuaded the soldiers to let him pray. And the blessed Thomas went to
pray, and kneeled down, and rose up and stretched forth his hands unto heaven,
and spake thus:
[Here P and the rest give -rightly- the prayer of cc. 144-8. U and its
companions give the foilowing: He turned to his prayer; and it was this: My Lord
and my God, and hope and redeemer and leader and guide in all countries, be thou
with all them that serve thee, and guide me this day as I come unto thee. Let
not any take my soul which I have committed unto thee: let not the publicans see
me, and let not the exactors accuse me falsely (play the sycophant with me). Let
not the serpent see me, and let not the children of the dragon hiss at me.
Behold, Lord, I have accomplished thy work and perfected thy commandment. I have
become a bondman; therefore to-day do I receive freedom. Do thou therefore give
me this and perfect me: and this I sav, not for that I doubt, but that they may
hear for whom it is needful to hear.]
168 And when he had thus prayed he said unto the soldiers: Come hither and
accomplish the commandments of him that sent you. And the four came and pierced
him with their spears, and he fell down and died.
And all the brethren wept; and they brought beautiful robes and much and fair
linen, and buried him in a royal sepulchre wherein the former (first) kings were
laid.
169 But Siphor and Iuzanes would not go down to the city, but continued sitting
by him all the day. And the apostle Thomas appeared unto them and said: Why sit
ye here and keep watch over me? I am not here, but I have gone up and received
all that I was promised. But rise up and go down hence; for after a little time
ye also shall be gathered unto me.
But Misdaeus and Charisius took away Mygdonia and Tertia and afflicted them
sorely: howbeit they consented not unto their will. And the apostle appeared
unto them and said: Be not deceived: Jesus the holy, the living one, shall
quickly send help unto you. And Misdaeus and Charisius, when they perceived that
Mygdonia and Tertia obeyed them not, suffered them to live according to their
own desire.
And the brethren gathered together and rejoiced in the grace of the Holy Ghost:
now the apostle Thomas when he departed out of the world made Siphor a presbyter
and Iuzanes a deacon, when he went up into the mountain to die. And the Lord
wrought with them, and many were added unto the faith.
170 Now it came to pass after a long time that one of the children of Misdaeus
the king was smitten by a devil, and no man could cure him, for the devil was
exceeding fierce. And Misdaeus the king took thought and sad: I will go and open
the sepulchre, and take a bone of the apostle of God and hang it upon my son and
he shall be healed. But while Misdaeus thought upon this, the apostle Thomas
appeared to him and said unto him: Thou believedst not on a living man, and wilt
thou believe on the dead? yet fear not, for my Lord Jesus Christ hath compassion
on thee and pitieth thee of his goodness.
And he went and opened the scpulchre, but found not the apostle there, for one
of the brethren had stolen him away and taken him unto Mesopotamia; but from
that place where the bones of the apostle had lain Misdaeus took dust and put it
about his son's neck, saying: I believe on thee, Jesu Christ, now that he hath
left me which troubleth men and opposeth them lest they should see thee. And
when he had hung it upon his son, the Iad became whole.
Misdaeus the king therefore was also gathered among the brethren, and bowed his
head under the hands of Siphor the priest; and Siphor said unto the bretbren:
Pray ye for Misdaeus the king, that he may obtain mercy of Jesus Christ, and
that he may no more remember evil against him. They all therefore, with one
accord rejoicing, rmade prayer for him; and the Lord that loveth men, the King
of Kings and Lord of lords, granted Misdaeus also to have hope in him; and he
was gathered with the multitude of them that had believed in Christ, glorifying
the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost, whose is power and adoration, now and
for ever and world without end. Amen.
[U (and Syr.) ends: The acts of Judas Thomas the apostle are completed, which he
did in India, fulfilling the commandment of him that sent him. Unto whom be
glory, world without end. Amen.]